Paris Saint-Germain secured their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich. Goals from Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele sealed the win, despite PSG finishing the match with nine players after Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez received red cards. The game also saw Bayern winger Jamal Musiala suffer a serious injury following a collision with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at the end of the first half.
Despite the dramatic circumstances, PSG advanced and are considered strong favorites to win the tournament, even without the suspended Pacho and Hernandez for the semifinal. But who are the main contenders capable of challenging them for the title? Let`s look at the teams with the best chance of preventing a PSG triumph.
4. Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund faces Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, with the possibility of meeting PSG in the semifinals. The team, led by Niko Kovac, had a solid run to reach this stage, but their performance in the tournament hinges significantly on the outcome against Real Madrid. While a challenge against PSG seems improbable for Dortmund this summer, the potential return of Jobe Bellingham from suspension could boost their chances if they manage to overcome Real Madrid and reach the final.
3. Fluminense
The Brazilian side has been a surprise package in the tournament, notably defeating both Inter and Al-Hilal in the knockout rounds. Fluminense is set to play Chelsea in the semifinals and could only potentially meet PSG in the final. While Luis Enrique`s PSG appears to be the strongest team and the favorite in a hypothetical final clash, Fluminense`s defensive resilience, having conceded only one goal in their last three matches, suggests they possess the quality to present a significant challenge.
2. Chelsea
The English team reached the Club World Cup semifinals following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Palmeiras, secured by an own goal. Chelsea took early control of the match with Cole Palmer scoring his first tournament goal after just 16 minutes, skillfully beating his defender before finishing. Enzo Maresca`s side is favored to reach the final by overcoming Fluminense, but facing Luis Enrique`s PSG would be a tough task. Despite possessing considerable talent, Chelsea`s current cohesion might not be sufficient to overcome the French giants.
1. Real Madrid
Real Madrid is arguably the strongest potential opponent for PSG in the tournament. If Xabi Alonso`s team defeats Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals, they will face PSG directly in the semifinals. The Spanish giants are widely considered co-favorites for the summer tournament alongside PSG. Star player Kylian Mbappe made his Club World Cup debut in the recent match against Juventus after recovering from gastroenteritis. All attention will be on La Liga`s top scorer as this tournament represents Real Madrid`s final opportunity to secure a trophy this season before the next one begins in August.
