PSG face Real Madrid today in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semifinals, in a matchup steeped in competitive history. The French side approaches with confidence after a commanding victory over Bayern Munich. Conversely, the Spanish side narrowly avoided a late scare against Borussia Dortmund, who came close to leveling the score. Despite their different journeys, fans anticipate an electrifying showdown due to the exceptional talent in both squads.
Head coach Luis Enrique has expertly maintained the teamās motivation throughout the competition. Despite the toll of a physically demanding season, PSG have remarkably avoided any serious injuries. On the offensive front, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have emerged as dynamic leaders, propelling the team forward. Meanwhile, Marquinhos has anchored the defense with exceptional leadership, ensuring the team stays solid at the back.
Real Madrid have captivated fans with their refreshed playing style under the leadership of Xabi Alonso. With him at the helm, the Spanish squad has regained dominance in the midfield, thanks in part to the rising stardom of Arda Guler. Meanwhile, Gonzalo Garcia has stepped up as the teamās promising striker following Kylian Mbappeās injury.
PSG starting lineup vs Real Madrid
Despite arriving into the game in excellent form, PSG face the absence of two key players who left the squad: William Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, who lead the defensive line for the French team. In their absence, Lucas Beraldo will partner with Marquinhos at center-back.
Joao Neves #87 of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates with Fabian Ruiz #8 after scoring his teamās second goal
While dealing with these losses, the team also had questions surrounding the fitness of Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi. Both players had been training individually due to earlier concerns but joined the full team practice leading up to the game, which is why theyāre starting today. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele also returns to the starting lineup against Real Madrid.
see also
Gianluigi Donnarumma breaks silence after accidentally injuring Jamal Musiala in PSGās win vs Bayern at FIFA Club World Cup 2025
PSGās starting eleven vs. Real Madrid: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabian Ruiz; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Real Madrid confirmed lineup vs PSG
Real Madrid, much like PSG, face a significant challenge in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semifinals without key defender Dean Huijsen. He received a red card during the intense match against Borussia Dortmund. FIFA classified his action as ādenying a goal or an obvious scoring opportunity,ā resulting in a one-game suspension. In his place, Raul Asencio will play from the get-go.
Gonzalo Garcia will keep his place in the starting eleven even with Kylian Mbappe starting against PSG today, forming a mighty offensive trio with Vinicius Junior. However, Xabi Alonso will deal with a key absence as Trent Alexander-Arnold is not playing vs. PSG due to injury, sustained in the last training session before the semifinal.
Real Madridās starting lineup against PSG: Thibaut Courtois; Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Fran Garcia; Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler; Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, Kylian Mbappe.
