PSG thrash Atletico Madrid 4-0 to launch Club World Cup bid in style

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Atletico Madrid 4-0 in a dominant display at the Pasadena Rose Bowl on Sunday night.

Newly crowned European champions PSG picked up where they left off, cruising to a commanding victory over Atletico in their opening Group B match of the FIFA Club World Cup.

In sweltering midday heat that reached 31°C, PSG dazzled a crowd of 80,619 with their fluid, attacking football.


Goals from Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Senny Mayulu, and Lee Kang-In sealed a dominant win for the French giants, who carried over their momentum from a 5-0 Champions League final thrashing of Inter Milan just two weeks ago.


PSG quickly took control of the game with the breakthrough coming in the 19th minute, when a skilful move down the right found Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who sent the gentle pass for Ruiz to fire home a precise low finish.

With nothing going in their favour, Atletico grew increasingly frustrated as Clement Lenglet was booked for a rash tackle on Achraf Hakimi in the 21st minute, followed soon by Robin Le Normand’s yellow card for dragging down Ruiz.

PSG coach Luis Enrique said the heat "had an impact on the game."

"The rhythm of our play was a bit lower than usual, but we were better," Enrique said. "We trained at such a high level; this team loves to compete and we are ready to go as far as possible."


However, Atletico coach Diego Simeone refused to blame the heat for his team's struggles.

"I cannot blame it on the heat -- we both played in the same weather conditions," Simeone said. "They played much better than we did. They have amazing players and that's why they've just won everything."

With PSG firmly in control, Atletico managed their first shot on target just before halftime - Antoine Griezmann forcing a sharp low save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. But from the resulting counter-attack, PSG doubled their lead. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia burst down the left and found Vitinha, who coolly scored to make it 2-0.

Atletico’s Julian Alvarez fired in early in the second half, but VAR ruled it out for a foul by Rodrigo De Paul in the buildup. Matters worsened when Lenglet was sent off in the 78th minute for a second yellow card.


Four minutes later, substitute Alexander Sorloth squandered a golden chance, missing an open goal from close range. PSG capitalized on the chaos, with Mayulu netting a third in the 87th minute, and Kang-In sealing a 4-0 rout from the penalty spot after Robin Le Normand handled in stoppage time.

PSG next face Brazil’s Botafogo in Pasadena on Thursday before wrapping up Group B against MLS side Seattle Sounders on June 23.