Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois emphasised the need for his team to learn from Paris Saint-Germain's pressing tactics. Real Madrid suffered a 4-0 defeat at the MetLife Stadium in the Club World Cup semi-final against PSG. This marked their first loss in the competition after 21 matches, and they conceded four goals, the most in any game of the tournament.PSG's aggressive pressing led to mistakes by Raul Asencio and Antonio Rudiger, resulting in two early goals. Courtois highlighted that Madrid could benefit from adopting similar pressure tactics. "In a goal kick I have half a second to think about where to give the ball, because they eat you," said Courtois.

@Thibautcourtois: It's a tough defeat, but a defeat to learn from. pic.twitter.com/40fwrMlRBZ Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) July 9, 2025

Xabi Alonso's side managed only 32.2% possession during the match, their lowest since a LaLiga game against Barcelona on April 10, 2021. Courtois noted that their pressing was not as effective as PSG's, which allowed too much space for their opponents. "We tried to come out strong, but they suffocated us with the pressure," he explained.Achraf Hakimi played a crucial role in PSG's third goal, assisting Fabian Ruiz with a brilliant team move. PSG coach Enrique praised Hakimi and Nuno Mendes as the best full-back pairing globally. "They are the two best full-backs in the world," said Enrique, highlighting their dual roles in attack and defence.Enrique confirmed Courtois' observations about PSG's relentless pressure against top teams like Real Madrid. He stated that his players always give their best effort against formidable opponents. "We didn't put the brakes on," Enrique added, mentioning messages of congratulations from Barcelona fans.Courtois acknowledged that Real Madrid needs to improve their collective pressing and coordination as a team. He stressed reviewing match footage to enhance their performance in future games. Despite trying to start strong, Real Madrid struggled under PSG's intense pressure and found it challenging to maintain possession.The match showcased PSG's ability to capitalise on mistakes through coordinated pressing and quick transitions. Their tactical approach overwhelmed Real Madrid, who were unable to find space or control during key moments of the game. The result serves as a learning opportunity for Los Blancos as they aim to refine their strategies moving forward.Real Madrid will need to address these issues if they hope to compete effectively against high-pressure teams like PSG in future tournaments. The experience highlights areas for improvement and underscores the importance of adapting tactics against different styles of play in competitive football settings.