SG Humble Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid and End their Club World Cup Dream

A Parisian Masterclass. A Record denied. A Semifinal That Rewrote the Script.

Real Madrid’s Club World Cup journey came to a screeching halt this week, and it was Paris Saint-Germain who slammed the brakes. Under the tactical guidance of Luis Enrique, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners handed Madrid a sobering lesson, dashing their hopes of lifting yet another global trophy—and denying them a shot at a historic season record.

It’s the kind of drama Joburg football fans live for. Whether you’re watching from your couch in Soweto, streaming from a sports bar in Maboneng, or keeping score from the Uber ride home, this was a match that left everyone talking.

Luis Enrique’s Tactical Touch Strikes Again

South African football lovers know a thing or two about great tacticians—think Pitso Mosimane’s continental runs or Gavin Hunt’s gritty comebacks. But Luis Enrique? The man just owns Real Madrid.

Out of the nine times Enrique has faced Los Blancos in his managerial career, he’s now walked away victorious on five occasions. He’s done it with Celta Vigo. He’s done it with Barcelona. And now, he’s done it with PSG.

His last clash with Real Madrid dates all the way back to 2017, and his return was nothing short of triumphant. While the match lacked the presence of superstar Kylian Mbappé for much of the tournament, it was a new name that grabbed the spotlight: Gonzalo García—a young talent who reminded Madrid that the future of football isn’t always dressed in marquee names.

Xabi Alonso’s First Big Test

It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Madrid. For manager Xabi Alonso, this tournament served as a crucial litmus test—an intense, high-stakes environment to evaluate his players, tweak his tactics, and understand what lies ahead in a demanding season.

Alonso has been hailed as one of the brightest young minds in football management, and while this loss stings, it offers valuable lessons. For Madridistas back in Joburg—who’ve followed the club’s ups and downs through thick and thin—this is a moment to recalibrate expectations. The Club World Cup might be over, but La Liga and Europe still await.

A Record Lost in the Heat of Battle

With the loss, Madrid also missed the chance to match their most victorious seasons on record. Both the 2011–2012 and 2013–2014 squads managed 46 wins, a club milestone that many thought Alonso’s team could rival this year.

But PSG had other plans.

For The Fans in Joburg

For South African fans, many of whom have grown up donning either PSG or Madrid shirts, proudly debating Messi vs Ronaldo at braais and schoolyards, the Club World Cup knockout hits differently. It’s more than just a match. It’s a reminder that the beautiful game always delivers surprises.

So what now? For Madrid, the journey continues. For PSG, the final awaits. And for us? We’ll be glued to our screens, popcorn ready, waiting for the next chapter in world football’s greatest soap opera.

Source:Bein Sports 

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com