Soccer fans worldwide anticipated that PSG would struggle due to the demanding previous season, but Luis Enrique‘s squad have defied expectations at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. It has impressed by losing only one game during the group stage and securing victories against top-tier teams like Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich. Surprisingly, just before the semifinal clash with Real Madrid, the team chose to release two key first-team players.
Paris Saint-Germain faced significant setbacks in their recent match, with William Pacho receiving a red card in the 82nd minute, swiftly followed by Lucas Hernandez in the 90th minute of stoppage time. Both players now face a two-game suspension, prompting the French team to remove them from its squad for the remainder of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
In their absence, head coach Luis Enrique will rely on a defense pairing of Lucas Beraldo and the seasoned Marquinhos. This leaves the team with a single backup defender: promising youth talent Noham Kamara. While both dismissals are impactful, the absence of the Ecuadorian standout, Pacho, poses a greater challenge. His role as the defensive linchpin makes him nearly irreplaceable, complicating PSG’s strategic options for forthcoming matches.
“In agreement with the sporting management and the staff, Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho – suspended for the remainder of the Club World Cup – are leaving the team today,” PSG posted, via X, formerly Twitter.
William Pacho #51 and Lucas Hernández #21 of Paris Saint-Germain react after a 4-0 win over Atlético Madrid during the FIFA Club World Cup
Despite these challenges, the French team welcomes back Achraf Hakimi and Fabian Ruiz, who have been training individually. Both players might be ready to face Real Madrid. With a full roster at his disposal, Luis Enrique might likely stick to the successful strategy that has propelled the team deep into the tournament, relying on Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as key offensive players.
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PSG vs Real Madrid: A harsh game awaits as former teammates face off
The highly anticipated semifinal clash of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid promises not only a thrilling contest on the field but also a dramatic reunion. Kylian Mbappe, who once made history with PSG, faces his former team under contentious circumstances. His exit was far from amicable, marked by ongoing legal disputes.
According to the Associated Press, Mbappe claims that PSG owe him $61 million in wages, casting a shadow over his celebrated past with the club. Also, they have a legal dispute over moral harassment from the French side, as per Associated Press. This legal debacle adds an extra layer of intensity to the clash. Expect emotions to run high both on and off the field, with supporters potentially making their sentiments known.
