PSG Crush Atletico Madrid 4-0 in Club World Cup

• PSG thrash Atletico Madrid 4-0 in Club World Cup opener at Rose Bowl
• Vitinha stars as PSG dominate Atletico in Club World Cup Group B clash
• PSG stun Atletico Madrid with 4-0 rout to kick off Club World Cup campaign

Paris Saint-Germain launched their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Rose Bowl Stadium, showcasing their European champion credentials in front of 80,619 fans under scorching California sun.

Right from the start, PSG owned the game, keeping the ball for 82.6% of the first 15 minutes. Fabián Ruiz got the party started in the 19th minute, firing a crisp low shot from outside the box that left Atlético’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak with no chance. Just before halftime, Vitinha doubled the lead, pouncing on a missed shot by Atlético’s Antoine Griezmann to score on a lightning-fast break.

Atlético came out fighting in the second half, but their hopes took a hit. Julián Álvarez thought he’d pulled one back in the 57th minute, only for VAR to cancel the goal due to a foul by Koke on PSG’s Désiré Doué. Things went from bad to worse when Clément Lenglet got a second yellow card in the 78th minute, leaving Atlético with just 10 players.

PSG didn’t let up. Late in the game, substitute Senny Mayulu smashed in a close-range goal in the 87th minute, and Lee Kang-in wrapped things up with a penalty in stoppage time after Robin Le Normand’s handball. PSG’s 74% possession and 11 shots on target showed they were in control, while Atlético could only muster one shot on goal.

“It’s tough to maintain this level, but the team delivered,” said Vitinha, who was named man of the match. Atlético’s coach Diego Simeone wasn’t happy, pointing out his team’s lack of spark after conceding four goals, a red card, and a penalty.

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Even without their injured star Ousmane Dembélé, PSG looked unstoppable. They’ll face Botafogo next in Pasadena on June 20, while Atlético takes on Seattle Sounders in Seattle on June 19. With this win, PSG has thrown down the gauntlet in Group B, eyeing the Club World Cup trophy.