Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) manager, Luis Enrique, has lauded his team's performance in their 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup, acknowledging the "difficult" conditions they faced. The match, held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, saw the French giants dominate their Spanish rivals, but the scorching heat became a major talking point.
The game was played in sweltering conditions, with temperatures soaring to 31°C (nearly 90°F) and humidity levels reaching 60%. The midday kickoff, scheduled to cater to European prime-time audiences, meant players had to endure intense heat, leading to visible exhaustion on the pitch.
Despite the challenging environment, PSG showcased their dominance, carrying over their momentum from a triumphant Champions League campaign. Goals from Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Senny Mayulu, and Lee Kang-in sealed a comprehensive victory for the Parisians. Ruiz opened the scoring with a low drive from outside the box, while Vitinha doubled the lead just before halftime. Mayulu added a third in the 87th minute, and Lee Kang-in converted a penalty in stoppage time to complete the rout.
Enrique acknowledged the impact of the heat on the game, stating that it "had an impact on the game." He noted that the rhythm of their play was "a bit lower than usual" but emphasized that his team "were better" overall. "We trained at such a high level; this team loves to compete, and we are ready to go as far as possible," Enrique added, highlighting his team's preparedness and competitive spirit.
Vitinha, who was named player of the match, echoed Enrique's sentiments, saying, "A very good performance actually, but as always, I will talk about the team first." He added, "We had a very good game. It was difficult with the [high] temperature. We did it against a tough team in Atletico, but we did very well. We managed to control all the game."
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, struggled to cope with the conditions. Their coach, Diego Simeone, admitted that PSG was the rightful winner, acknowledging their superior quality and tactical approach. Atletico's frustrations were compounded when a goal by Julian Alvarez was disallowed by VAR for a foul in the lead-up to the strike, and Clement Lenglet's late red card further diminished their hopes of a comeback.
The win puts PSG in a strong position in Group B of the Club World Cup, which also includes Botafogo and Seattle Sounders. Luis Enrique's men will be aiming to continue their impressive form as they pursue their fourth major trophy of the season, having already secured the Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, and Champions League.
Looking ahead, Enrique emphasized the importance of managing the physical and mental fatigue of his players after a long and grueling season. PSG could potentially play seven matches if they progress to the final, which is scheduled to take place in New York on July 13.
