EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey: Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz scored two first-half goals as the French champions beat Real Madrid 4-0 in the Club World Cup semifinals.
Two defensive errors allowed PSG to score twice in the first nine minutes of the match at MetLife Stadium. PSG will face Chelsea in the final.
Raul Asencio failed to control the ball until Ousmane Dembele snatched it in the sixth minute and his attempt was saved by Thibaut Courtois, but Ruiz followed up for an easy goal.
Three minutes later, Antonio Ruediger failed to kick the ball neatly and Dembele took another chance and this time his attempt beat Courtois.
Ruiz added another goal in the 24th minute after Achraf Hakimi’s move.
Substitute Goncalo Ramos completed the European champions’ victory three minutes from time.
“It was an amazing match, a great win. Despite the hot weather, the team was able to cope with it and it’s a proud achievement.
“We played a perfect game and beat a great rival like Real Madrid. Mission accomplished,” said Ruiz.
The chess game of Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, has turned out to be self-destructive.
Losing defender Dean Huijsen to suspension and Trent Alexander-Arnold to injury, Alonso changed the tactical five-man defence to four.
PSG, who thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in last month’s Champions League final, took advantage of Madrid’s fragility.