Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals after securing a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. They are set to face either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund next. The French giants` win came courtesy of goals from Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele, despite finishing the match with only nine players on the pitch after both Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez received red cards. Bayern Munich winger Jamal Musiala also suffered a concerning injury following a collision with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at the close of the first half.
Despite the dramatic and at times chaotic nature of the 90 minutes, PSG successfully progressed. While they will be without the suspended Pacho and Hernandez for the semifinal clash, they still appear to be strong contenders and look as likely as any side to win the entire tournament.
But if any team is capable of halting their progress, who would it be? Let`s examine and rank the teams with the highest probability of defeating the Champions League winners as they strive for global supremacy.
4. BVB
The German powerhouse, Borussia Dortmund (BVB), will first face Real Madrid in their quarterfinal encounter, with the possibility of meeting PSG in the semifinal. Niko Kovac`s squad navigated a solid path to reach the quarterfinals, but their performance against Real Madrid will be the definitive test of their capability in this summer competition. Regardless of their journey thus far, it seems improbable that they possess the necessary strength to overcome PSG this summer. However, the potential return of Jobe Bellingham following his suspension could provide a boost to their aspirations of reaching the final, provided they can first get past Real Madrid.
3. Fluminense
The Brazilian club has emerged as a surprising team in the tournament, notably securing victories against both Inter and Al-Hilal in the knockout stages. Fluminense`s next opponent is Chelsea in the semifinal, meaning a potential meeting with PSG could only occur in the final. So far, Luis Enrique`s team has demonstrated they are the most formidable side and are widely expected to win should they face Fluminense in the decisive match. Nevertheless, Fluminense`s defensive resilience, having conceded just one goal in their last three games, combined with their inherent quality, suggests they are capable of presenting a significant challenge to PSG.
2. Chelsea
The English side earned their place in the Club World Cup semifinals through a dramatic 2-1 victory over Palmeiras, clinched by an own goal. Chelsea appeared to be in control early on, particularly after Cole Palmer netted his first goal of the tournament in just the 16th minute, skillfully beating his marker before finishing. Enzo Maresca`s team is anticipated to reach the final where they would likely face Luis Enrique`s side, though overcoming Fluminense beforehand will not be straightforward. Chelsea possesses abundant talent, perhaps even a surplus, but the level of tactical cohesion required to defeat this strong PSG side may still be developing.
1. Real Madrid
The Spanish giants represent, by a considerable margin, the strongest potential opponent that PSG could encounter in the tournament. Should Xabi Alonso`s coached team triumph over Borussia Dortmund, they would immediately face PSG in the semifinals. Real Madrid is widely regarded as a co-favorite to win this summer tournament alongside PSG. French superstar Kylian Mbappe made his debut appearance in the FIFA Club World Cup in their most recent match against Juventus, returning after a bout of gastroenteritis. As the top goal scorer in La Liga this season, all eyes will be on Mbappe. For Xabi Alonso`s squad, this summer tournament serves as the final opportunity to claim silverware this season before the new campaign commences in August.
