It's time for reunion of enemies: Mbappe vs PSG

It doesn't get much better than this. The two arguably strongest teams in the FIFA Club World Cup face each other in the semi-finals. Of course, their duel in the final would have been even more exciting, but the draw was rather benevolent towards Chelsea, and the Blues knew how to exploit it.

Consequently, they booked a ticket for the final beating Fluminense 2-0 last night and can peacefully enjoy tonight's clash and wait for the rival.

Still, the duel between the Saints and Los Blancos becomes even more interesting when Kylian Mbappe is added to the equation.

The Frenchman spent seven years in Paris, and their "breakup" last June was quite stormy and bitter. The two sides are still at war over the Parisians' alleged debt to the player, who demands €55 million in salary and bonuses, which the club refuses to pay.

On the other hand, looking only at the situation on the pitch, it's clear who did better. Luis Enrique's team won their maiden UEFA Champions League in their first campaign without Mbappe, while Real Madrid, led by the Frenchman, experienced a trophyless season - first since the 2020/2021 campaign and only the second in the last 15 years.

Carlo Ancelotti paid the price and left the club, though Mbappe's impact deserved to be criticized since his outstanding individual achievements brought little benefit to Madrid. Xabi Alonso's primary task will be to change that.

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So far, the Spanish tactician seems to be doing a good job, as Los Blancos won four consecutive games in the tournament after the opening round draw against Al Hilal. Truth be told, Mbappe clocked only 47 minutes in five matches at CWC, but tonight is expected to be in the starting lineup.

Unlike Madrid, PSG suffered one - pretty shocking - defeat to Botafogo in the second round of the group stage, but it didn't hurt much. The Saints easily reached the semis despite facing the great Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

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The two rivals last met three years ago in the UCL Round of 16 when Karim Benzema single-handedly knocked out the Ligue 1 side, bagging a hat-trick in Madrid's 3-1 win at Santiago Bernabeu, following PSG's 1-0 triumph in the first leg at Parc des Princes.

The financial off-the-pitch war between Mbappe and his former club is still ongoing and it's end doesn't seem near. But the battle on the green field will last for only 90 (or 120) minutes, and one side will have to lose. Both the match and the pride.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025

1/2 finals

Tuesday

Fluminense - Chelsea 0-2 (0-1)

/Joao Pedro 18, 56/

Wednesday

22.00 (2.35) PSG (3.50) Real Madrid (2.95)

***odds are subject to change***