PSG Dominates Atletico Madrid in Clash of European Titans in LA

Nicholai Rhiz
7 hours ago
2 min read

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from PSG showcases his ball control abilities as his teammate Vitinha watches. Photo by Katareena Roska for Tangent Zine.

Fresh off from winning the UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint Germain displayed outstanding football in the intense 88-degree heat in Los Angeles. They dismantled Atletico Madrid with a 4-0 victory in their Group B match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, impressing the 80,619 fans in attendance without showing any signs of fatigue.

The European Champions took the lead in the 19th minute when Fabian Ruiz fired a low shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Pablo Barrios of Atletico Madrid defends PSG's Fabian Ruiz. Photo by Katareena Roska for Tangent Zine

PSG controlled the game's pace and speed, maintaining possession for an impressive 74%. Atletico had a significant opportunity to equalize during first-half injury time, but Gianluigi Donnarumma successfully blocked Antoine Griezmann’s attempt in the box. Shortly after, Vitinha broke through Atletico's defense and scored on a counterattack.

PSG's Vitinha, the game's Man of the Match, breaks through Atletico's defense. Photo by Katareena Roska for Tangent Zine.

Atletico Madrid's best opportunity in the second half came when Julian Alvarez's goal was disallowed after VAR ruled that Koke had fouled Desire Doue during the play leading up to it.

The situation deteriorated further when Atletico's Clement Lenglet received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 78th minute, compounding a frustrating day that left coach Diego Simeone visibly enraged by both the referees and his players' errors. In the 82nd minute, Alexander Sorloth astonishingly missed an open goal for Atletico, causing Simeone to drop to his knees in disbelief.

Substitute Senny Mayulu ensured PSG's win five minutes later, building on his goal-scoring appearance in last month's Champions League final by shooting into the bottom corner in the 87th minute.

Just before the final whistle, some drama unfolded when the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed a handball by Robin Le Normand in the box during added time. PSG's attacking midfielder Lee Kang In took the penalty and sealed the blowout.