PSG found conditions for Club World Cup opener ‘difficult’ | OneFootball

Temperatures reached 31C in Pasadena, California, as Paris Saint-Germain took on Atlético Madrid in their FIFA Club World Cup opener. If they found it difficult, it didn’t truly show.

PSG played their first match since being crowned European champions, thanks to their 5-0 hammering of Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final just over two weeks ago. They quickly refound their rhythm at the Rose Bowl, despite the extreme heat.

After a dominant first 15 minutes, Fabián Ruiz netted the opener before Vitinha doubled the advantage just before the break. Les Parisiens were in game-management mode and didn’t overly exert themselves in tough conditions. However, they did add a certain gloss to the result, netting two late goals through Senny Mayulu and Lee Kang-in to beat Atletico Madrid 4-0.

Post-match, however, manager Luis Enrique and Vitinha admitted that the weather conditions were difficult to manage. “We are happy with the match. It was difficult in these hot conditions,” Luis Enrique told DAZN.

PSG midfielder Vitinha added, “We felt really good, even in these kinds of conditions. It is really hot! It is hard to play in these conditions, but it was even more difficult for Atlético, who didn’t have the ball.”

GFFN | Luke Entwistle