The knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup lived up to its billing as European giants, South American stalwarts and surprise packages battled for a place in the final four. The quarter-finals produced moments of pure drama, from Paris Saint-Germain surviving a chaotic finish to Real Madrid holding off a spirited Dortmund fightback.
PSG edge Bayern in bruising battle
At Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, PSG overcame Bayern Munich 2–0 in a tense affair that saw three red cards and a horrific injury. A first-half goal from teenager Désiré Doué set the tone, before Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead in the second period. However, the game turned ugly late on as PSG were reduced to nine men and Bayern’s Jamal Musiala suffered a serious leg injury following a collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Real Madrid see off Dortmund in five-goal thriller
At East Rutherford, Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 3–2 in the tie of the round. Gonzalo García and Fran García scored early to give the Spanish side control, before Kylian Mbappé added a third with a stunning volley. Dortmund hit back through Maximilian Beier and Serhou Guirassy, but Thibaut Courtois’ late save ensured Madrid’s passage into the semi-finals.
Fluminense stun Al-Hilal
Brazilian side Fluminense pulled off the upset of the round, defeating Al-Hilal 2–1 in Orlando. Goals from Matheus Martinelli and Jhon Arias gave the Brazilians a deserved victory. Marcos Leonardo had equalised for Al-Hilal, but his effort wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Chelsea squeeze past Palmeiras
At Lincoln Financial Field, Chelsea edged Palmeiras 2–1 courtesy of a late own goal. Cole Palmer’s opener was cancelled out by Estêvão, before a defensive lapse from Palmeiras’ goalkeeper gifted the Blues the winner.
What’s Next: Semi-final fixtures
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid
- Chelsea vs Fluminense
All eyes now turn to the semi-finals, where legacy, pride and silverware await.
