How did PSG dominate Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PSG showcased tactical superiority throughout the match.
- João Neves emerged as a standout player with two goals.
- Inter Miami struggled to contain PSG's attacking threats.
- The match featured a notable return for Ousmane Dembélé.
- PSG will face a strong opponent in the quarter-finals.
Atlanta, June 29 (NationPress) In a highly anticipated match, Lionel Messi faced his former club, but it was Paris Saint-Germain that showcased their supremacy with a commanding 4-0 victory over Inter Miami CF at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, propelling them into the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
After their 2-0 triumph against Seattle Sounders FC, PSG approached the Round of 16 with unwavering confidence and a focused aim to progress in the tournament. Head coach Luis Enrique fielded a formidable starting lineup, featuring Marquinhos and Willian Pacho as central defenders, safeguarded by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes on the flanks. The midfield trio included Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz, while Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia operated on the wings, supporting forward Désiré Doué.
PSG set an aggressive tone early on, with João Neves scoring from a Vitinha cross in the 6th minute. The French side dominated possession and consistently threatened throughout the first half. Despite several impressive saves from Óscar Ustari, the Inter Miami goalkeeper, PSG doubled their lead in the 39th minute with Neves netting his second goal, completing a well-coordinated move involving Barcola and Ruiz.
Just before the halftime whistle, PSG increased their advantage to 3-0 when Doué’s cross was inadvertently deflected into the net by Inter defender Tomás Avilés. The final goal came in stoppage time, as Hakimi followed up on his initial shot to score PSG’s fourth goal, assisted by Barcola.
Despite creating numerous chances in the second half, including attempts from Doué, Barcola, and Kvaratskhelia, PSG could not further extend their lead. Lionel Messi managed two attempts on goal but was unable to make a significant impact against his old team. Ousmane Dembélé returned from injury in the second half, replacing João Neves, who was later honored as Man of the Match.
PSG is set to face the winner of the FC Bayern Munich versus Flamengo matchup in the quarter-finals.