Real Madrid are one step away from a shot at global glory as they gear up to face Paris Saint-Germain in the highly anticipated Club World Cup semi final. More than a place in the final is at stake—this match could see Los Blancos equal one of their most prestigious club records and kickstart a new era under head coach Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid’s journey to the Club World Cup semi final has been a story of resurgence. Despite a disappointing 2024–25 campaign in both La Liga and the Champions League that ended without silverware and saw the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, the Spanish giants have bounced back impressively.
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Madrid have looked rejuvenated. Since his appointment, they’ve played five matches in the Club World Cup semi final run, winning four and drawing one, showing a balance of attacking strength and tactical discipline. Now, they are just one win away from equaling their all-time record of 46 victories in a single season—previously achieved in the 2011–12 and 2013–14 seasons.
Madrid currently hold 45 wins from 67 matches this season, a win rate of 67.1%. Though this is slightly below the previous high win rates of 79.3% and 76.7%, the volume and intensity of fixtures make this season’s tally especially commendable.
Real Madrid’s Road to the Semi Final
Real Madrid have remained unbeaten in the Club World Cup across their history (W17 D3 L0), winning 15 of their last 16 games in the tournament. As they approach the Club World Cup semi final, their current run under Alonso has injected fresh optimism among fans, and players like Aurélien Tchouaméni are confident of going all the way.
In a statement to RM Play, the French midfielder said:
“We’re delighted to be in the semi-finals, but we want more. We have to win the game against PSG, and we’re going to give our all, fight to win to stay in the competition.They’re a top team in world football, recently winning the Champions League. It’s going to be a difficult game, but we have the quality to win it and we have to show that.“
Real Madrid began their campaign with a draw against Al-Hilal but picked up steam in the knockout stages, defeating Borussia Dortmund and Juventus. This form has built momentum heading into the Club World Cup semi final.
A win over PSG in the Club World Cup semi final would not only put Real Madrid in the final but also place them level with one of their most successful seasons ever. Victory in the final on July 13 would allow them to set a brand-new record with 47 wins in a single campaign.
Standing in Madrid’s way is Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League winners. Under Luis Enrique, PSG have been one of Europe’s most prolific attacking sides. Since the start of the 2024–25 season, only Barcelona (174) have scored more goals than PSG (152) across all competitions. They also lead Europe’s top five leagues in expected goals (xG) with a figure of 145.6.
Los Blancos and Les Parisiens Set for Club World Cup Semi Final
Historically, Real Madrid and PSG have met 12 times, with Madrid winning five and PSG four. Both teams have scored exactly 16 goals in those meetings, further setting the stage for a tightly contested Club World Cup semi final.
Despite the absence of major domestic titles this season, Madrid could end the campaign on a high with Club World Cup glory. It would also mark a successful start to Xabi Alonso’s managerial career, reinforcing the faith the club placed in him after Ancelotti’s departure.
Alonso’s style is already being reflected in the team’s performances, and his ability to bring out the best in his players has been evident:
“Day by day, we understand more and more what the coach and his staff want,” said Tchouaméni. “We have to keep working and improving.”
A win against PSG would not just take Real Madrid to another final—it would allow them to equal their most wins in a season (46). Going on to win the final would make this the most successful campaign in terms of match victories in club history.
For PSG, this is a chance to solidify their claim as the best team in world football after their Champions League triumph. For Madrid, it’s about redemption, pride, and the beginning of a new chapter under Alonso.
FAQs
Q1: When is the Club World Cup semi final between Real Madrid and PSG?
A: The match is scheduled for Wednesday at MetLife Stadium, USA.
Q2: What is at stake for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semi final?
A: A chance to equal their all-time record of 46 wins in a single season and reach the final of the Club World Cup.
Q3: How many times have PSG and Real Madrid faced each other?
A: They have met 12 times, with Madrid winning 5, PSG 4, and 3 draws.
Q4: What is Real Madrid’s record in Club World Cup history?
A: Unbeaten, with 17 wins and 3 draws in their tournament history.