PSG smother Real Madrid in 4-0 rout

|By Babatunji Wusu-

-Courtois praises Dembélé’s relentless pressing after Club World Cup loss

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has opened up about his conversation with Ousmane Dembélé following Paris Saint-Germain’s dominant 4-0 win over Los Blancos in the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday.

Dembélé, who scored one of the goals at the MetLife Stadium, played a key role in PSG’s aggressive press that completely overwhelmed the Spanish side. Fabian Ruiz and Gonçalo Ramos also got on the scoresheet, as Luis Enrique’s men ran riot over Xabi Alonso’s team in a statement performance.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Courtois reflected on the pressure PSG applied throughout the game.

“I went to Dembélé, and I told him that he presses a lot,” Courtois said. “Our pressing and PSG’s pressing were so different. We didn’t press well.”

The Belgian shot-stopper admitted that his side struggled under PSG’s intensity.

“PSG suffocated us with their pressing,” he added.

With the win, PSG advance to the final where they will meet Courtois’ former club, Chelsea, in what promises to be a fiery clash on Sunday.