Club World Cup: PSG vs Real Madrid – Preview, lineups, our tips

Paris Saint-Germain have another match that could be seen as a “grand final before the grand final,” with the winner in this semifinal now earning the right to face Chelsea in the 2025 Club World Cup grand final — and considering the starpower and pedigree on both sides, many see it as a straight 50/50 battle for supremacy.

Here’s the Sporting Base’s guide and insights for this all-important match-up.

How to watch

• When: Thursday, 5am (AEST)
• Where: MetLife Stadium, Rutherford
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Expected lineups

• Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3): Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Beraldo, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz, Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
• Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Courtois, Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, García, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler, Bellingham, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior

PSG vs. Real Madrid prediction

No matter which way this game goes, there should be some goals, with each side missing key defenders. PSG is short Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernández, both of whom were sent off in the quarterfinals, while Real Madrid won’t have Dean Huijsen (red card) for the final four clash.

There’s also so much attacking power on each side that goals were inevitable even with both backlines at full strength; names like Mbappe, Vinicius, Doue, and Dembele always find their way onto the score sheet in the biggest matchdays.

This Sporting Base writer sees it all coming down to comfort, with Xabi Alonso’s side still adjusting.

On the other side, the Champions League victors have already proven they have what it takes to get to the end of the bracket – and win – and Luis Enrique has his Paris team humming exactly how he wants. Mbappe may prove a wildcard (especially because he knows the system from the inside out), but that won’t be enough to shake France’s powerhouse.

Real Madrid has its own experience, of course, and Los Blancos have yet to suffer a defeat in Alonso’s reign, but that first lost should come in the semifinals as Spain loses to France and PSG heads on to play Chelsea for the title.

• Our prediction: PSG 3–2 Real Madrid
• Goalscorer tip: Désiré Doué
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