PSG vs Atletico Madrid Review
PSG kicked off their quest to secure the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) title, aiming to add to their four trophies this season, with a commanding 4-0 victory over a 10-man Atlético Madrid in Group B at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. An early warning for the European champions came just three minutes in when Julián Alvarez’s free-kick narrowly missed Gianluigi Donnarumma’s post. PSG didn’t test Jan Oblak until the 17th minute, when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia took a shot that Oblak saved. However, just two minutes later, Fabián Ruiz found the net after receiving a pass from Kvaratskhelia, striking the ball into the bottom corner.
After the first goal, PSG started to take control of the game in terms of possession, but both teams struggled to create significant chances in the heat of California. Atleti, having to defend more, nearly equalized when Antoine Griezmann took a clean shot at Donnarumma, but PSG quickly countered and extended their lead. Kvaratskhelia assisted Vitinha, who had the time and space to move into the penalty area and place a shot past Oblak.
The attacking style that has characterized Luis Enrique’s team this season was evident again early in the second half, as Nuno Mendes penetrated the Atlético defense and set up Kvaratskhelia, whose curling shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Oblak. Just when Los Colchoneros thought they were back in the game after Alvarez scored past Donnarumma, the goal was ruled out by VAR due to a foul by Koke in the buildup.
Atletico Madrid’s hopes for a comeback were significantly diminished with just 11 minutes remaining when Clement Lenglet reacted angrily to referee István Kovács not penalizing Senny Mayulu for blocking Oblak’s attempted pass. Kovács deemed Lenglet’s complaints worthy of a second yellow card, leaving Diego Simeone’s team with only 10 players. Despite this setback, the Spanish team managed to create their best opportunity shortly after, but Alexander Sørloth missed from just four yards out. Eventually, PSG secured the third goal that reflected their performance, Atletico failed to clear a threatening ball from Achraf Hakimi, allowing Mayulu to find the bottom corner and achieve the first competitive head-to-head victory for the French club, marking Simeone’s 10th defeat to Enrique.
In stoppage time, VAR identified a handball by Robin Le Normand in the penalty area, and Lee Kang-in converted the resulting penalty, sealing a dismal night for Atletico with a 4-0 score line. If PSG weren’t considered favorites before this tournament, they certainly will be in the eyes of some fans after successfully navigating their toughest group stage challenge.
