Paris Saint-Germain dismantled a chaotic Atlético Madrid side 4–0 to open their Club World Cup campaign in style, as Diego Simeone’s men imploded under pressure in Pasadena.
The match’s turning point came in the 78th minute, when Clément Lenglet was shown a second yellow and sent off, reducing Atlético to 10 men and opening the floodgates. PSG capitalised ruthlessly. Substitute Mayulu added a third, before Lee Kang-in converted a stoppage-time penalty to complete the rout.
Atlético’s problems started early. Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring in the 19th minute after a sharp move, before Vitinha doubled PSG’s lead just before the break with a curling strike at 45+1 minutes. By half-time, Atlético had picked up three yellow cards and showed signs of unraveling.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe second half brought more bookings, eight in total for Atleti, which included yellows for substitutes Koke, Correa and Reinildo, highlighting Simeone’s side losing their composure on the global stage. PSG, by contrast, remained clinical and composed.
Lenglet’s dismissal summed up the night. Already booked in the first half, the centre-back’s clumsy challenge earned a second yellow, and Atlético never recovered. Mayulu’s composed finish in the 84th minute sealed the win, and Lee’s penalty made it four.
The result leaves Atlético bottom of Group B with a heavy goal difference and major questions over their discipline. PSG, meanwhile, take command of the group and look every bit the tournament favourites.
Simeone’s side face Seattle Sounders next, with little margin for error. If they’re to stay alive in the Club World Cup, a reaction is non-negotiable.
Written by Pejuola Ransome
INMR FOOTBALL 
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