PSG Clash with Real Madrid: Epic Showdown Preview and Starting XI Predictions
The spotlight will shine brightly on Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid as these two European powerhouses meet in the Club World Cup semifinals.
Both PSG and Real Madrid entered this summer's expanded tournament among the top contenders for the Club World Cup title. The current European champions have delivered exceptional performances in the United States, with only a group stage loss to Botafogo marring their record, while Los Blancos remain unbeaten under Xabi Alonso's guidance.
The tournament's two strongest sides will now meet with a place in the final at stake. PSG and Real Madrid have engaged in numerous Champions League encounters over the past ten years, though they haven't faced each other since 2022.
Much has transformed since their previous encounter, most notably Kylian Mbappé's transfer. The French striker, who spent seven seasons at PSG and became their record goalscorer, now wears Real Madrid colors. Mbappé's return to face his former team adds extra intrigue to this eagerly awaited match at MetLife Stadium.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of the Club World Cup semifinals.
What Time Does PSG vs. Real Madrid Kick-Off?
PSG vs. Real Madrid Head-to-Head Record
Current Form (All Competitions)
PSG | Real Madrid |
|---|---|
PSG 2–0 Bayern Munich - 5/7/25 | Real Madrid 3–2 Dortmund - 5/7/25 |
PSG 4–0 Inter Miami – 6/29/25 | Real Madrid 1–0 Juventus - 1/7/25 |
Seattle Sounders 0–2 PSG – 6/23/25 | RB Salzburg 0–3 Real Madrid - 26/6/25 |
PSG 0–1 Botafogo – 6/19/25 | Real Madrid 3–1 Pachuca - 22/6/25 |
PSG 4–0 Atlético Madrid – 6/15/25 | Real Madrid 1–1 Al Hilal - 18/6/25 |
How to Watch PSG vs. Real Madrid on TV
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | DAZN, UniMas, TUDN |
United Kingdom | DAZN UK, Channel 5 |
Canada | DAZN Canada |
Mexico | DAZN, tabii |
PSG Team News
PSG will be missing the suspended duo of Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández. Both center-backs received red cards during the quarterfinal victory over Bayern Munich and must serve their bans in the semifinals.
The absence of Pacho and Hernández represents a significant setback for Enrique's defense, particularly when facing attackers like Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. Lucas Beraldo, who has accumulated just 141 minutes throughout the Club World Cup, is expected to partner Marquinhos in central defense.
The sole uncertainty in PSG's starting eleven concerns Dembélé; the Ballon d'Or contender missed group stage action due to a left quadriceps problem and has only appeared as a substitute in knockout rounds. However, he may earn his first start in his team's most crucial summer fixture.
PSG Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
PSG predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
Real Madrid Team News
Similar to PSG, Real Madrid's defensive line will also be without a crucial component; Dean Huijsen was shown a direct red card in the quarterfinal's closing stages and will be unavailable for Los Blancos' vital encounter with the reigning European champions.
Raúl Asencio will step in for Huijsen, potentially altering Alonso's recently favored three-man defense. During Real Madrid's opening two tournament matches, both featuring Asencio in the starting lineup, the former Bayer Leverkusen coach employed a four-man backline.
Mbappé will probably be the sole additional modification to Alonso's starting eleven. While it seems unfair to drop Gonzalo García after the Real Madrid Castilla graduate has contributed to goals in all five of Real Madrid's summer matches, a fully recovered Mbappé takes precedence over the 21-year-old.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. PSG
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. PSG (4-3-1-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, García; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler; Bellingham; Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
PSG vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction
Both sides will create opportunities against two depleted defensive units, but PSG hold the European champion status for good reason. The Parisians have allowed only one goal throughout the entire tournament while scoring 12 times on American soil.
Real Madrid possess the attacking quality to challenge PSG, but the squad is still adapting to Alonso's tactical approach. Without Huijsen, who has been Los Blancos' standout defender in the Club World Cup, the La Liga runners-up will find it difficult to neutralize Enrique's attacking threats.