Real Madrid’s dream run in the Club World Cup came to a shocking halt, as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) handed them a humiliating 4-0 defeat in the semifinals at MetLife Stadium. Now, fans and analysts alike are asking the question:
👉 Did starting Kylian Mbappé cost Real Madrid the match against PSG?
On the latest episode of The Cooligans podcast, hosts Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros broke down Real Madrid’s disastrous night — and the impact of Mbappé’s surprise start against his former club.
Mbappé Starts… But at What Cost?
When Real Madrid’s starting XI was announced, it raised eyebrows. Kylian Mbappé, now in Madrid colors, was in the starting lineup — a controversial decision given the emotional and tactical weight of facing his former club, PSG.
Podcast co-host Christian Polanco didn’t hold back:
“As soon as I saw the starting lineup, I knew it was a mistake.”
Instead of being a power move, Mbappé’s inclusion disrupted Madrid’s shape. Vinicius Jr. was shifted to the right, Mbappé played on the left, and Gonzalo Garcia was brought in, all resulting in a disjointed frontline that lacked the cohesion Madrid had shown in previous matches.
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The First Goal: A Psychological Collapse
Things unraveled quickly after Marco Asensio’s costly mistake led to PSG’s first goal. According to Guerreros, that was the turning point:
“Once you give up that first goal, the team just mentally checks out.”
Madrid couldn’t recover. The conditions were tough, and chasing the game under intense heat — both environmental and tactical — became overwhelming. The momentum was all PSG’s from that point forward.
Tactical Masterclass by Luis Enrique
The real hero of the night may not have been any single PSG player, but their manager, Luis Enrique. From pre-match planning to in-game adjustments, Enrique outclassed Madrid tactically. Guerreros noted:
“Luis Enrique doesn’t just play his game — he takes away your best weapons.”
Unlike traditional managers who rigidly stick to their system, Enrique adapts. His approach has been to blend style with substance, identifying and neutralizing the opponent’s strengths while maximizing PSG’s pace and creativity.
Whether it was in their match against Inter Miami or now against Real Madrid, PSG under Enrique is making top teams look average.
Real Madrid Lacked Answers
Madrid simply had no counter to PSG’s speed, pressing, and fluid attack. Cavaraškelia nutmegging defenders, pacey wingers tearing down the flanks, and Madrid’s own tactical rigidity contributed to their downfall.
The co-hosts pointed out how Xabi Alonso, despite showing promise, was outcoached. And while Real Madrid has the depth and quality, it was PSG’s clarity of plan and flexibility that made the difference on the night.
PSG Proves It’s No Fluke
PSG’s dominant display wasn’t a one-off. They’ve been consistently strong under Luis Enrique, and this victory against one of the world’s most star-studded squads is a warning to other top clubs.
As Alexis Guerreros summarized:
“It’s remarkable to see a team make great sides look bad — and PSG is doing just that.”
Final Thoughts: A Tactical Gamble Gone Wrong?
So, did starting Mbappé cost Real Madrid against PSG in the Club World Cup semifinal?
Maybe not directly — but the disruption of the system, the emotional weight, and the loss of balance definitely played a role in Madrid’s collapse.
PSG simply outclassed them — tactically, physically, and mentally. And while Mbappé’s presence may have added intrigue, it also exposed vulnerabilities that Luis Enrique and PSG were more than happy to exploit.
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