Watching a competitive match between PSG and Real Madrid in July can be particularly advantageous for Barcelona. These two teams are currently the main rivals of the Blaugrana, both in Spain and across Europe. As Barcelona prepares to defend their Spanish crown, they are likely to face off against Xabi Alonso’s revamped Los Blancos. Moreover, in the Champions League, it appears that Real Madrid and PSG are set to be formidable contenders, highlighting the area where Barcelona has the most to prove in Hansi Flick’s second year as manager.
What lessons did we glean from the recent Club World Cup semifinal featuring these two European giants? Firstly, it’s clear that PSG has become an absolute powerhouse and may improve even further in the upcoming season. With the advantage of playing in France, they have ample opportunities to rest their star players while building confidence for the Champions League, a competition they are expected to prioritize from the outset.
Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, PSG has shown remarkable progress, evolving into a mature, well-drilled team that executes plays with style and instinct. In their match against Real Madrid, they dominated possession and showcased relentless pressing, finishing their chances with precision. Although Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio made critical mistakes that allowed PSG to score early goals, it was Ousmane Dembélé's focused pressing that truly caught the Madrid defense off guard. This is no mere coincidence; it’s a testament to the effective system Luis Enrique has implemented, where his talented and united squad makes winning appear effortless.
As for Real Madrid, they now face a crucial period of introspection over the next month. However, their players desperately need rest. More than Barcelona, Madrid could have benefited from sitting out this tournament to regroup and embark on their rebuilding process under the new manager. It’s uncertain how much Xabi Alonso can extract from these early matches without having substantial time with his players on the training ground.
On the individual front, Kylian Mbappé is likely to continue making headlines with impressive performances. He appears to be growing in confidence as a Real Madrid player and looks ready to assume a leadership role in the future. However, this does not automatically translate to team success. Despite having exceptional attacking talent, Madrid has been criticized for their lack of defensive commitment. Since the exit of Toni Kroos, their midfield has struggled to maintain control and create scoring opportunities. Additionally, their defensive line remains a significant cause for concern. Madridistas must be thankful for Thibaut Courtois, or else the 4-0 defeat could have escalated into an even greater embarrassment.
Ultimately, Barcelona must continue to focus on their own development. Real Madrid has the time to learn and grow as a team, similar to how PSG progressed last season. Xabi Alonso has already demonstrated his managerial talent, and he should not be underestimated. One key takeaway from PSG's performance is the tactical ease with which they play. Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, is a bold attacking side, but at times, they seem to abandon defensive caution.
Luis Enrique’s pressing system has proven to be world-class, consistently effective in both offensive and defensive phases. PSG knows when to accelerate their gameplay and when to temper it, mastering the art of building from the back while also winning the ball in advantageous positions to maximize goal-scoring opportunities. Luis Enrique, a true Barcelona man, has successfully integrated these principles at PSG, yielding great results. To ultimately be the best, Barcelona must conquer the best—and at this moment, that team is PSG.
