Paris Saint-Germain began their FIFA Club World Cup campaign in stunning style, dismantling Atletico Madrid 4-0 in front of a raucous crowd of 80,619 at the Pasadena Rose Bowl on Sunday night. The newly crowned European champions carried over their red-hot form from a 5-0 Champions League final win over Inter Milan, putting on a clinical display in their opening Group B fixture.

In sweltering midday conditions, with temperatures touching 31°C, PSG showcased their trademark attacking flair. Goals from Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Senny Mayulu, and Lee Kang-In sealed a statement win over the Spanish giants, who struggled to cope with the French side’s pace and precision.

PSG drew first blood in the 19th minute when Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia danced past his marker on the right flank and teed up Ruiz for a pinpoint low finish. Atletico’s frustration quickly bubbled over, with Clement Lenglet and Robin Le Normand picking up bookings within minutes for rough challenges.

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“The heat did affect the tempo a bit,” admitted PSG manager Luis Enrique post-match. “But we’ve been training intensely, and this team thrives on competition. We’re ready to go all the way.”

Atletico boss Diego Simeone was more blunt: “I won’t blame the heat — both teams played in it. They were simply better. They’ve just won everything, and you can see why.”

Atletico’s first real chance came just before halftime, when Antoine Griezmann forced a low save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. But PSG immediately hit back on the counter, with Kvaratskhelia this time setting up Vitinha for a composed finish to double the lead.

Julian Alvarez looked to have pulled one back early in the second half, but his goal was chalked off after VAR spotted a foul by Rodrigo De Paul in the buildup. Things went from bad to worse for Atletico in the 78th minute, as Lenglet received a second yellow and was sent off.

Substitute Alexander Sørloth then missed a sitter moments later, blazing over from point-blank range. PSG made them pay, with Mayulu making it 3-0 in the 87th minute. In stoppage time, Lee Kang-In calmly converted from the spot after Le Normand handled inside the box, completing the rout.

PSG will next face Brazilian side Botafogo on Thursday, before wrapping up Group B action against MLS club Seattle Sounders on June 23.