The Club World Cup is heading toward its conclusion, and it’s time for the semifinals: Fluminense will take on Chelsea, while Paris Saint-Germain will face Real Madrid. The final is set for Sunday, July 13.
Fluminense, managed by Portaluppi, pulled off a surprise by eliminating Inzaghi’s Al Hilal, with the Saudi side’s lone goal from Marcos Leonardo proving insufficient. Maresca’s Chelsea booked their spot with a 2-1 win over Palmeiras, thanks to a decisive goal from Palmer and an own goal by Gray.
Luis Enrique’s PSG, the reigning European champions, dispatched Bayern Munich 2-0 with goals from Doué and Dembélé. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a chaotic thriller. After 90 minutes, Beier gave Dortmund hope, only for Mbappé to seal it with a bicycle kick, followed by a red card to Huijsen and a Guirassy penalty conversion. At the death, Courtois pulled off a sensational save to deny Sabitzer and secure Real’s place in the final four.