### Real Madrid Faces Major Test Against PSG in Club World Cup Semifinals Real Madrid is gearing up for a significant challenge as they prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the semifinals of the Club World Cup. This matchup is highly anticipated, with both teams being considered favorites to win the tournament. The clash is set for Wednesday, July 6, 2025, and the outcome is expected to have a substantial impact on the tournament's trajectory. Notably, Real Madrid's star player, Kylian Mbappé, has recently recovered from gastroenteritis, raising questions about his potential participation in the match [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2025/07/06/real-madrid-ready-for-really-big-challenge-against-psg-at-club-world-cup]. ### Breakdown of Key Developments Leading to the Semifinal 1. **Matchup Overview**: - Real Madrid and PSG are set to meet in a highly anticipated semifinal match. - The winner is likely to be favored to win the entire tournament [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2025/07/06/real-madrid-ready-for-really-big-challenge-against-psg-at-club-world-cup]. 2. **Kylian Mbappé's Health Status**: - Coach Xabi Alonso has indicated that Mbappé is "getting better" but has not confirmed whether he will start against Dortmund in the quarterfinals [https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45673814/real-madrid-mbappe-feeling-better-unconfirmed-starting-lineup-club-world-cup-quarterfinal]. - Alonso emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Mbappé's starting position due to his recent illness [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/too-soon-to-say-if-mbappe-will-start-against-dortmund-alonso-says]. 3. **Recent Performances**: - Mbappé missed all three group matches due to gastroenteritis but played as a substitute in the Round of 16 against Juventus, marking his return to the pitch [https://www.dhakatribune.com/sport/football/385591/mbappe-better-and-ready-for-real-madrid-against]. - His performance in the upcoming matches is crucial for Real Madrid's chances in the tournament [https://www.businessupturn.com/sports/soccer/will-kylian-mbappe-start-for-real-madrid-against-dortmund-in-fifa-club-world-cup]. ### Evidence of Mbappé's Impact and Team Dynamics - **Mbappé's Recent Recovery**: - After recovering from gastroenteritis, Mbappé's fitness is being closely monitored, with Alonso stating that it is too soon to confirm his starting role [https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/football/2025/07/05/soccer-too-soon-to-say-if-mbappe-will-start-against-dortmund-alonso-says]. - **Team Performance Without Mbappé**: - Real Madrid has shown resilience in the tournament, but the absence of a player of Mbappé's caliber has been felt, particularly in high-stakes matches [https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/45634932/mbappe-club-world-cup-debut-real-madrid-not-moment-too-soon]. ### Conclusion: Anticipation Builds for the Semifinal Showdown In summary, the upcoming semifinal match between Real Madrid and PSG is poised to be a defining moment in the Club World Cup. **Key points include**: 1. The significance of the match for both teams as potential tournament favorites. 2. Kylian Mbappé's uncertain status due to recent health issues, which could influence the match outcome. 3. Real Madrid's performance dynamics, particularly in the absence of their star player. As the teams prepare for this critical encounter, all eyes will be on Mbappé's fitness and the strategies employed by both coaches to secure a place in the final [https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2025/07/06/real-madrid-ready-for-really-big-challenge-against-psg-at-club-world-cup].