PSG made a strong statement of aiming to win the FIFA Club World Cup with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday evening, reports www.totorinews.com.
Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha scored in the first half, as the UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) opened the FIFA Club World Cup campaign in annihilation of Atletico Madrid.
PSG largely dominated Atlético at the Rose Bowl in its first match since trouncing Inter Milan 5-0 to win their first Champions League title on May 31.
Senny Mayulu and Lee Kang-in scored against 10-man Atlético in the second half of the European powers’meeting in front of 80,619 fans at the site of the 1994 World Cup final. The match-up was one of the highest-profile games in the group stage of the first 32-team edition of the Club World Cup — and treble-winning PSG excelled under another spotlight.
Atletico’s Clement Lenglet was sent off in the 78th minute with his second yellow card on a frustrating day that left Diego Simeone visibly furious at both the referees and his players’ mistakes.
Ousmane Dembele wasn’t in uniform for PSG after reportedly injuring a quadriceps while playing for France on June 6. Goncalo Ramos replaced Dembélé in Luis Enrique’s only change to the starting lineup from the Champions League final.
PSG controlled possession early, and Ruiz capitalized atop the penalty area in the 19th minute. The Spanish midfielder long coveted by Atletico beat Jan Oblak with a clever strike into the far corner.
Vitinha followed with a goal in injury time off Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s second assist of the first half.
Julian Alvarez appeared to answer for Atletico in the second half, but the goal was waved off after video assistant referee (VAR) determined Koke had fouled Desire Doue in the buildup.
Alexander Sorloth horrifically missed an open net in the 82nd minute for Atletico. Mayulu iced PSG’s victory five minutes later, and Lee converted a penalty on the final kick of the match.
