After Atletico, who will be crushed by PSG next?

PSG are simply too scary.

The 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the early morning of June 16 was not simply a three-point opening match in Group B. It was a performance that brought together all the qualities of a true championship candidate - coolness, bravery, tactical class and formidable squad depth.

It's not just about controlling the ball - it's about controlling the whole game

In a clash of two contrasting styles – a free-flowing, controlling PSG and a disciplined, relentless Atletico – the French side showed that they not only played beautifully, but also effectively. They turned the most anticipated clash of the first round into a one-sided affair, with Atletico barely getting a chance to show their mettle.

If Atletico fans were expecting a tight game where Diego Simeone's experience and pragmatic tactics could make a difference, they were quickly disappointed. PSG dominated from the first second with near-perfect possession, at one point pushing possession to 80%. But more importantly, they did not fall into a rut of soulless passing - the French capital team's attacks were always sharp, purposeful and dangerous.

Luis Enrique seemed to be recreating a more modern version of tiki-taka, where fluidity in play is built on speed and physicality. When Atletico turned to a hard-hitting style in the second half to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm of possession, PSG did not falter. Instead, they accelerated their build-up, using their youth and mobility to snuff out any signs of resistance from their opponents.

Doue played well on the day PSG crushed Atletico.

In a star-studded squad, the emergence of Desire Doue - a 20-year-old - is a clear testament to PSG's quality of training and strategic vision. The former Rennes player not only contributed to the opening goal (with a brilliant combination with Hakimi to create an opportunity for Fabian Ruiz), but also became a constant nightmare for Atletico's left wing.

Doue's pace, technique and decision-making ability mean he can not only play a 'defensive disruptor' role, but also balance attack and defence. It was he who was fouled by Koke in the play that led to Julian Alvarez's goal being disallowed - a VAR intervention that cost Atletico both hope and spirit in the second half.

At the age of 20, Doue is not simply a "potential young star" - he is a strategic piece in Luis Enrique's scheme, ready to compete on the biggest stage in the world at club level.

Atletico and a day to forget

In contrast to PSG's rise, Atletico were physically and mentally exhausted. They had no plan to deal with the pressure, and were even more confused when they had to chase after the game when it was out of control. Simeone's team only had one clear chance in the whole match - and it was also disallowed due to a previous foul.

Coach Diego Simeone is helpless against PSG.

The Argentinean tactician could not hide his disappointment in the technical area as he saw his players have their goals disallowed by VAR, receive a red card (Lenglet) and finally concede a penalty after the final foul of the match. It can be said that Atletico had a nightmare in Pasadena - where their familiar style of play was completely suffocated.

The 4-0 victory not only gave PSG a huge advantage in Group B - but also affirmed their maturity in the journey of conquest. After many years of being considered a "big team lacking courage", PSG now plays the football of a champion: effective, cold, and does not give opponents a chance to recover.

Luis Enrique - whose consistency has always been questioned - seems to have found a winning formula: a stable vertical, flexible wings, and a squad that is not afraid to rotate. Even after the departure of Kylian Mbappe, PSG still operate smoothly with a variety of creative sources.

With Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich yet to play, PSG are taking over the Club World Cup stage in convincing fashion. And if they continue this form, it would be no surprise if they are the last team to stand on the podium in the US later this month.

Source: https://znews.vn/sau-atletico-toi-luot-ai-se-bi-psg-nghien-nat-post1561138.html