PSG thrash 10-man Atletico in Club World Cup opener

Paris Saint-Germain began their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup campaign in style, overpowering a 10-man Atletico Madrid side with a commanding 4-0 victory at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

In scorching heat and in front of a 80,619-strong crowd, the newly crowned European champions dominated possession early, controlling 82.6% of the ball in the opening 15 minutes. Their pressure paid off when Fabian Ruiz fired a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to open the scoring.

Despite several missed chances from striker Goncalo Ramos, PSG doubled their lead just before halftime through Vitinha, who weaved through the Atletico defence and calmly slotted past Jan Oblak.

Oblak prevented further damage early in the second half by tipping Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s curling effort onto the crossbar. Julian Alvarez later had a goal ruled out after VAR spotted a foul by Koke on Desire Doue in the buildup.

Atletico’s night worsened in the 78th minute when Clement Lenglet received a second yellow card for dissent after protesting a non-call on an apparent obstruction of Oblak.

Substitute Alexander Sorloth squandered a golden opportunity to score for Atletico, missing an open goal from close range. PSG sealed the rout late on as Senny Mayulu netted in the 87th minute, followed by a penalty from Lee Kang-in after Robin Le Normand was penalized for handball via VAR in stoppage time.

PSG’s dominant performance sets the tone as they continue their pursuit of global club glory.