Let anyone question how serious Paris Saint-Germain takes this club World Cup this summer.
Traditionally a much smaller tournament before FIFA decided to re -load the luminaire calendar, the European champions would almost always go back to the continent with the trophy.
PSG sent an early warning in the competition
Now extensively for a more global taste, PSG will have to assume all-comers if they want to overcome, and they sent a warning sign after a brilliant 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid.
Before the French and Spanish giants went to the field on Sunday, more than 60,000 fans had seen how Ahly and Inter Miami had played a scoreless draw in the opener and then saw the Golf in the class in this tournament when Bayern München Auckland City tore apart in a ridiculous 10-0 victory.
As a spectacle, neither could be said as a great advertisement for the vanity project of Gianni Infantino, so thank goodness that Atletico and PSG have done a show that is worthy to become enthusiastic.
In anticipation of the game in the Rose Bowl, the Rojiblancos may have worn their chances after they have defeated Luis Enrique's side in the Champions League during the 2024/25 season.
Atleti on the rear foot everywhere
In Alexander Sorloth they had a striker with 20 Laliga goals to match the Ousmane Dembele of the Parisse, who plundered 21 in Ligue 1 during 24/25 in Ligue 1, although none of them started the game and in fact Dembele was not even in the competition day team due to an injury that he made in the international task.
As was to be expected, PSG took control of the game early on and had an incredible possession of 82.2% in the opening of 15 minutes of the game.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Atletico Madrid Match Statsopta perform by statistics
Even before Fabian Ruiz had given them the lead in 18 minutes thanks to an assist from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian had seen one shot on goal and one, with Goncalo Ramos who also got close.
The Portuguese had two more shots before the break, and it would only be until the first half of the injury time before Antoine Griezmann had the first shot of Atletico on goal.
Shortly thereafter, Kvaratskhelia was again the instigator when his pass to Vitinha allowed the midfielder to waltz for a second goal through a static Athleti defense.
818 PAGES MAKE Tell the story of the competition
The red card of Clement Lenglet with 13 to play did not do anything for the chances of his match to go back in the game, and although PSG's third and fourth goals from Senny Mayulu and Lee Kang-in came late (86 and 96), writing had long been on the wall.
818 passes made by the French champions at the closure of the procedure, compared to only 276 of the mattress makers, tells his own story.
Simeone's side was sometimes lambs for the slaughter, and there was little chance that PSG was unable to continue their excellent form of last season. Sometimes they were an absolute pleasure to look at.
PSG's passing network against Atletico Madridopta performing statistics
11 shots on goal showed a team everywhere on the front foot, but they were also skilled to keep things tight at the back, with Griezmann's shot the only one who knew Athleti on goal in the entire game.
It was not only the ease with which PSG went through the gears when they had to, also stood out. Even with Breakneck speed, they sometimes still managed to post an amazing 92.7% pass -intercurity.
Only three of their players fell below 90%, while Athleti had only three players who went above it.
Fatigue is already in the game of Atleti
Although Atleti is used to handing in the ball in some games, with their collisions against Barcelona who mainly think of Sunday's game, they sometimes looked unusually difficult.
PSG was fresh and blooms compared, and one can only think that the fall -out of this tournament will only come a few weeks in the season 2025/26 when fatigue – due to a lack of summer rest (again) – will come into effect.
Of course, Atleti's fatigue should in no way detract from another remarkable PSG performance. They are currently flying under Luis Enrique.
Antletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group B Match against Paris Saint-Germainalize Dally / Sipa Press / Profimedia
Only four PSG players – including goalkeeper Gianlugi Donnarumma and Sub Warren Zaire -Eemy – did not get the ball in the opposition box. At least five had more than four details in the Athleti punishment area, while the Spaniards were only 11 touches under the other side.
Perhaps the most impressive element of their performance was actually a robustness in both defense and midfield. Everyone is aware of how capable PSG is nowadays on the attack, but their defensive attributes are celebrated less.
PSG defeated Athleti at their own game
Against a team such as Athleti, known for a more physical side of their play, they may not have stuck, and yet it was PSG who again put the bar in this game.
Desire Doue, a player who won all the compliments for his attacking sparkle, was involved in 16 total duels during the game, more than any other player on the field, and closely followed by Kvaratskhelia's 13. No Athleti player had more than Marcos Llorente's nine.
In every area the Spanish side was the second best and Simeone can certainly not have any complaints with the final score.
He may want to know how a team that only won three of the 10 tackles in the game still managed to completely exceed his side and were allowed 27 dribbles in a match against a team that is normal expert in denying the opposition time and space on the ball.
Food to think prior to the next round of competitions.
Jason Pettigroveflash score