Atletico Madrid kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a ruthless 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Pasadena.
PSG headed into the competition on the back of a sensational 2024/25 season under Luis Enrique’s with four trophies won.
Alongside retaining their Ligue 1 title, the Parisians powered to a first-ever UEFA Champions League trophy, via a 5-0 final win over Inter Milan.
That momentum carried over as they overpowered Diego Simeone’s side at the Rose Bowl as two first-half goals did the damage and Atletico Madrid ended the game with ten men.
Slick PSG cruise past Atletico Madrid
Spain international Fabian Ruiz got the ball rolling with a crisp finish from 20 yards on 19 minutes before Vitinha curled home a brilliant long ranger to double the advantage before the break.
Atletico Madrid improved after the restart, with Julian Alvarez seeing a goal ruled out by VAR, as Simeone raged against a string of decisions that went against his team.
The sun soaked conditions in California were tough going and Atletico Madrid struggled to break down the European champions.
A frustrating clash was wrapped up for Simeone via a late second booking for France international Clement Lenglet for dissent as teenager Senny Mayulu slotted home a third goal and former Valencia forward Lee King-in scored from the penalty spot.
Atletico relying on Club World Cup revival
With their trickiest game now out of the way, Simeone will still be confident over securing a Round of 16 spot, in the next two Group B games.
Up next is a clash with MLS side Seattle Sounders on June 19 at their home stadium with Lenglet in line to serve a one-match ban.
The final group game is against Brazilian giants Botafogo on June 23 back in Pasadena where Los Rojiblancos will likely be battling for second place in the group.
Images via Getty Images/One Football
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