Exclusive: Khvicha Kvaratshkelia on why PSG are thriving off the ball - without Kylian Mbappe

PSG secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in a FIFA Club World Cup semifinal match held in East Rutherford. This result starkly contrasted preseason expectations following Kylian Mbappé's high-profile free transfer from PSG to Real Madrid after the latter's 15th UEFA Champions League triumph. Mbappé's move was initially perceived as a severe blow to PSG and a catalyst to make Real Madrid "unstoppable."

Contrary to projections, PSG achieved their most successful season in club history, highlighted by winning their first-ever Champions League title with a 5-0 final victory over Inter Milan. Meanwhile, Mbappé endured a disappointing debut season at Real Madrid, capturing only minor trophies (UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup) while failing to secure major honors. Barcelona claimed Spain's primary domestic trophies (LaLiga and Copa del Rey), and Real Madrid suffered a shock Champions League quarterfinal exit to Arsenal—their earliest elimination in five years.

The Club World Cup semifinal offered Mbappé a chance to redeem himself against his former club. Both teams advanced through group stages with mixed results: Real Madrid drew against Al-Hilal before defeating Pachuca, Salzburg, Juventus, and Dortmund, while PSG beat Atlético Madrid, lost to Botafogo, then overpowered Seattle Sounders, Inter Miami, and Bayern Munich.

The semifinal proved overwhelmingly one-sided, with PSG imposing relentless pressure and cohesive passing to trap Real Madrid in their own half. An Antonio Rüdiger error led to Fabián Ruiz opening the scoring within six minutes, setting the tone for PSG's comprehensive 4-0 demolition.