PSG vs Real Madrid: 2025 FIFA CWC semifinal preview, prediction
Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappe (left) with PSG’s forward, Ousmane Dembele (right). Photo Credit- La Depache
European giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid collide in a blockbuster 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semifinal on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 8:00 PM ET (1:00 AM GMT, July 9), MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, a rematch of their 2022 Champions League Round of 16 clash, with the winner advancing to face Fluminense or Chelsea in the final on July 13. PSG, the reigning Champions League holders, stunned Bayern Munich 2-0 in the quarterfinals despite finishing with nine players, while Real Madrid survived a late scare to edge Borussia Dortmund 3-2. This high-stakes showdown at MetLife Stadium, featuring Kylian Mbappe against his former club, promising a clash of attacking firepower and tactical discipline. This piece is set to preview both teams’ form, tactics, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction.
Paris Saint-Germain recent performances
PSG topped Group B with six points,defeating Seattle Sounders 2-0 but falling 1-0 to Botafogo, before a resilient 2-0 quarterfinal win over Bayern Munich on July 5, 2025, with Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele scoring in the 78th and 90+6th minutes. In the 2024/25 Ligue 1, they clinched their fourth consecutive title, scoring 89 goals in 34 matches, led by Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Their 14 goals and one conceded in the Club World Cup highlight their dominance, with a 6:1 group-stage goal difference. However, their nine-man Bayern win exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
Paris Saint-Germain tactical analysis
Luis Enrique’s 4-3-3 prioritizes high pressing and fluid attacks, averaging 59% possession, per The Analyst. Joao Neves and Vitinha anchor midfield, with Fabian Ruiz’s key passes creating chances. Dembele and Kvaratskhelia (3 goals in 4 games) flank Doue’s false-nine role, while Achraf Hakimi’s key passes and forward runs stretch defenses. Despite red cards to Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez against Bayern, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s key saves (8 vs Bayern) ensure solidity. PSG’s high line, exposed by Botafogo, could be tested by Madrid’s pace.
Paris Saint-Germain team news and injuries
PSG face a defensive crisis, with Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández suspended after red cards against Bayern. Lucas Beraldo is expected to replace Pacho alongside Marquinhos, with Nuno Mendes shifting to left-back. Ousmane Dembele, fully fit after a thigh injury, is pushing for a start, with Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos as alternatives. No new injuries are reported, and Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, and Donnarumma are confirmed starters.
Predicted PSG XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Dembele, Doue, Kvaratskhelia.
RELATED STORIES
Nuno Mendes: How Portugal’s left-back became a maestro in 2025
From Madrid’s streets to the stars: How Achraf Hakimi became world’s best defender
Real Madrid recent form
Real Madrid led Group H with seven points, drawing 1-1 with Al Hilal, beating Pachuca 3-1 and RB Salzburg 3-0, and securing a thrilling 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Borussia Dortmund on July 5, 2025, with goals from Gonzalo Garcia and Mbappe. In the 2024/25 La Liga, they finished second, scoring 78 goals in 38 matches, with Mbappe and Vinicius leading the charge. Their unbeaten tournament run (4 wins, 1 draw) and 10 goals scored showcase their firepower, but 23 shots on target conceded, raise defensive concerns after Dortmund’s late surge.
Real Madrid tactical analysis
Xabi Alonso’s 4-3-3, shifting to 3-5-2 in possession, blends 58% possession with quick transitions. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde drive midfield, with Arda Guler adding flair. Vinicius dribbles and Gonzalo Garcia’s 4 goals in 5 games lead the attack, while Trent Alexander-Arnold bolster the right. A makeshift defense, with Dean Huijsen suspended and Antonio Rudiger anchoring, kept only 2 clean sheets, which could be vulnerable to PSG’s wingers.
Real Madrid team news and injuries
Real Madrid will miss Dean Huijsen, suspended after a stoppage-time red card vs Dortmund, with Raul Asencio or Jacobo Ramon likely to partner Rudiger. Kylian Mbappe, recovered from a stomach illness, is set to start after his acrobatic goal. Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy remain sidelined. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are back but unlikely to start, with Bellingham and Vinicius confirmed. Football fans are optimistic, noting “Dean is solid, Tchouaméni is solid, Arnold and maybe Asencio again”.
Predicted Real Madrid XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Asencio, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.
RELATED STORIES
PSG, Real Madrid or Bayern? AI (ChatGPT) predicts who will win FIFA Club World Cup 2025
2025 FIFA CWC: Madrid, City, others, see strength to strength
PSG vs Madrid head-to-head statistics
PSG and Real Madrid have met 13 times in UEFA competitions, with Real leading 7-4, and 2 draws. Recent clashes include: 2024/25 Champions League League Phase: Real Madrid 3-1 PSG (October 2024), 2021/22 Champions League Round of 16: Real Madrid 3-2 PSG (aggregate, 3-1 second leg). 2019/20 Champions League Group Stage: Real Madrid 2-2 PSG, PSG 2-0 Real Madrid. PSG’s 14 tournament goals and Real’s 23 shots on target conceded suggest a high-scoring affair.
PSG vs Madrid score prediction
PSG are slight favourites in this match, Madrid’s 8 goals and defensive issues (23 shots on target conceded) make them vulnerable, but Mbappe’s form against his former club and Gonzalo Garcia’s 4 goals add firepower. PSG’s red-card crisis levels the playing field. Both teams’ attacking styles; PSG’s pressures, Madrid’s 32 shots on target promise goals. Football critics predicts a 3-2 Real win, citing their depth despite Huijsen’s absence. This semifinal, dubbed a “final before the final” promises fireworks. PSG’s form and Madrid’s star power ensure a tight contest, with penalties likely deciding the finalist.
