Paris Saint-Germain have sent a strong message to the rest of the footballing world after dismantling Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The game, played at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California, showcased the reigning UEFA Champions League winners at their dominant best, just weeks after their 5-0 destruction of Inter Milan in the UCL final.
It was a high-profile clash between two of Europe’s finest, but only one team showed up to play. From the very first whistle, PSG asserted control, bossing possession and dictating the rhythm. In the sweltering Californian heat, Luis Enrique’s side looked sharp, well-drilled, and hungry for more silverware.
First Half Brilliance
The deadlock was broken in the 19th minute when Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz fired a low strike from outside the box that beat Jan Oblak at his far post. A goal against the club that once chased his signature must have felt especially sweet. Atletico did try to respond late in the first half, and Antoine Griezmann came close, but Gianluigi Donnarumma was equal to the task.
Just before the halftime whistle, Vitinha sliced through the Atletico defense with a composed finish on the counter to double PSG’s lead and send the Rose Bowl crowd into a frenzy. That moment signaled that this would not be a tight affair, but a full-on PSG masterclass.
Second Half Domination
The second half was even more frustrating for Diego Simeone’s men. Atletico thought they had pulled one back when Julian Alvarez scored, only for VAR to rule out the goal due to a foul in the build-up.
Things went from bad to worse when Clement Lenglet received a second yellow card in the 78th minute. The red card left Atletico exposed, and PSG showed no mercy.
Senny Mayulu added the third in the 87th minute after a quick move carved through Atletico’s tired defense. Then, deep into stoppage time, Lee Kang-in stepped up to convert from the penalty spot after Robin Le Normand handled the ball in the box, capping off a near-perfect night for the Parisians.
Vitinha Shines Bright
There was no debate about the man of the match. Vitinha was everywhere — intercepting, creating, and scoring. Speaking to DAZN after the match, he said, “We did a very good game. It’s difficult with this temperature. We controlled all of the game. We are happy with the result.”
And rightly so.
Luis Enrique praised his squad: “Every single player showed their best quality. As a coach, I’m happy. Really great to feel that love from the stadium.”
Give Vitinha The Ballon d’Or?
With performances like this, it’s time to ask the serious question: Should Vitinha be in the Ballon d’Or conversation? From the Champions League final, to the Nations League Final, to this Club World Cup opener, he’s been consistently world-class. The Portuguese midfielder is showing up in the biggest games and delivering elite-level performances. If he continues at this level, it will be hard for the Ballon d’Or voters to ignore him.
Vitinha is not just PSG’s engine — he might be Europe’s best midfielder right now, by a mile.
WATCH THE MATCH HIGHLIGHT BELOW:
