Luis Enrique, the manager of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), celebrated a 2-0 victory against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup on July 5, 2025, in Atlanta. This win paves the way for an exciting showdown with Real Madrid, the last two champions of Europe, in the semi-finals set for Wednesday.
PSG’s journey in this tournament exemplifies a remarkable season. Under Luis Enrique’s guidance, the team secured their first UEFA Champions League title with a dominant 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the final and claimed all domestic trophies in France. The departure of star player Kylian Mbappé, who moved to Real Madrid after a stellar six-year career with PSG, was significant. Despite finishing his first season at Madrid without titles, Mbappé emerged as La Liga’s top scorer, netting 31 goals.
Luis Enrique has remained focused on team performance, emphasizing collective strength over individual brilliance. He stated, “Without him [Mbappé], we will be better,” suggesting that the departure of the superstar has united the team, allowing for a more cohesive playing style. After their victory against Inter, Enrique was proud of the shift from relying on star players to a more balanced squad approach.
Looking ahead to the upcoming match against Real Madrid, Luis Enrique expressed his desire to leave a mark on the World Cup, noting, “To play against the most decorated team in the world is our clear objective.”
On the other hand, Real Madrid enters this match under the new management of Xabi Alonso, marking an important test for his strategies. Both teams have shown incredible scoring ability in the tournament, with PSG and Madrid each having scored 12 and 11 goals, respectively. The potential performance of players like Mbappé, who recently returned from an illness, adds to the anticipation.
Both teams will face challenges with key defensive players missing due to suspensions. Despite these setbacks, the excitement surrounding this clash reflects the impressive trajectory both clubs have taken in recent months.
This encounter between PSG and Real Madrid, their first in over three years, promises to be a thrilling chapter in their storied rivalry, with memories of their previous encounter in the 2022 Champions League still fresh for fans. The match not only offers a chance for glory but also highlights the evolution of both teams in the world of football.