PSG advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. The goals were scored by Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele. The match was notable for PSG finishing with nine players after both Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez received red cards. Additionally, Bayern winger Jamal Musiala suffered a significant injury following a collision with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and had to leave the pitch at the end of the first half.
Despite the dramatic and somewhat chaotic nature of the match, PSG secured their progress. While they will be without Pacho and Hernandez for the semifinal, they currently appear to be the strongest contenders to win the entire tournament.
But if any team can stop them, who is the most likely candidate? Let`s rank the teams with the best chance of overcoming the Champions League winners as they aim for global success.
4. BVB
Borussia Dortmund faces a significant challenge against Real Madrid in their quarterfinal match. While they had a strong run to reach this stage, their performance in the tournament largely depends on the outcome against the Spanish giants. Facing PSG in a potential semifinal would be a very difficult task this summer, and it`s considered unlikely they could stop them, even with Jobe Bellingham potentially returning from suspension to boost their hopes of reaching the final, if they manage to get past Real Madrid.
3. Fluminense
The Brazilian side Fluminense has been a surprise package in the tournament so far, particularly after securing wins against both Inter and Al-Hilal in the knockout rounds. Fluminense is set to face Chelsea in the semifinal, meaning they could only potentially meet PSG in the final. While PSG, coached by Luis Enrique, have demonstrated they are the strongest team and would be expected to win a final encounter against Fluminense, the Brazilian side has shown resilience, conceding only one goal in their last three matches, and possesses the quality to make it a challenging match for PSG.
2. Chelsea
The English team Chelsea earned their place in the Club World Cup semifinals through a dramatic 2-1 victory over Palmeiras, decided by an own goal. Chelsea appeared to be in control early when Cole Palmer scored their first goal of the tournament after just 16 minutes, beating his defender and slotting the ball home. The team, managed by Enzo Maresca, is expected to reach the final by overcoming Fluminense, but facing Luis Enrique`s PSG would be a far tougher test. Chelsea undoubtedly has talent in abundance, but the level of cohesion required to defeat this PSG side might not be fully developed yet.
1. Real Madrid
Real Madrid is arguably the strongest potential opponent PSG could face in the tournament. If the team coached by Xabi Alonso defeats Borussia Dortmund, they will immediately meet PSG in the semifinals. The Spanish giants are considered joint favorites for the summer tournament alongside PSG. French star Kylian Mbappe recently made his debut in the FIFA Club World Cup in the last match against Juventus, having returned from gastroenteritis. All eyes will be on La Liga`s top scorer, as this summer tournament represents the final opportunity for Xabi Alonso`s team to win a trophy this season before the new campaign begins in August.
