Club World Cup: Easy, PSG starts its tournament ideally against Atlético

A flying start. And a message to the world. Two weeks after winning the Champions League, PSG made the perfect start to the Club World Cup, thrashing Atlético Madrid in Los Angeles (4-0). The capital club lived up to its status as favorite and successfully applied the techniques that have made it strong this season. The Parisians' next match: Thursday against Botafogo, with the chance to secure qualification for the round of 16.

A new competition, but an undeniable sense of déjà vu. Crowned European champions after a remarkable run, PSG kicked off their Club World Cup with another show of strength. Facing an Atlético Madrid team that has never been a match for the opposition. For this baptism of fire at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, Luis Enrique brought out the big guns. Aside from Dembélé, who was ruled out and replaced by Ramos at the forefront of the attack, all the starters from the last Champions League final were back at kickoff. And Fabian Ruiz was the first to shine. At the end of yet another model of team action, the Spanish midfielder opened the scoring with a well-placed low shot (1-0, 19th). Suffocated as much by the heat as by PSG's long periods of possession and counter-pressing, the Colchoneros never reacted in the first half. And they cracked again just before halftime. Not attacked by a spectator defense, Vitinha had plenty of time to adjust Oblak at the edge of the area (2-0, 45th+3).

Without having to push hard, PSG maintained control of the second half. Aside from a major scare, when Alvarez's goal was ultimately disallowed after intervention by the Var (55th), the Parisians left no hope to the Madrid side, who were still as powerless as ever. And particularly nervous. Like Lenglet, who was overwhelmed throughout a match that he left prematurely, receiving a red card late in the match (78th). With a power play, PSG played out and were able to capitalize on the enormous difference in skill that existed between the two teams this Sunday. Mayulu, unintentionally set up by Griezmann (3-0, 87th) and Lee from the penalty spot (4-0, 90th+7) completed the Parisian demonstration. Riding on an incredible momentum, PSG is indeed ready to conquer the world, after having brought Europe to its feet.