The winner will face either Chelsea or Fluminense in Sunday's showpiece at the same venue.

This mouthwatering clash pits the last two European champions against each other in what many fans hoped would be the final of this inaugural Club World Cup. Paris Saint-Germain, under Luis Enrique, have emerged as strong favourites.

Their dominance this season, coupled with their commanding performances, has cemented their reputation as a formidable force. Against Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain showcased their versatility, adapting seamlessly to different tactical demands. Enrique's influence runs deep, with the team reflecting his philosophy in every match.

"They've been relentless this season," said former Paris Saint-Germain star Thiago Silva. "Luis Enrique has built a squad that can dominate in multiple ways."

Real Madrid, guided by Xabi Alonso, are on an upward trajectory. Their performance against Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals highlighted their evolution. Each game under Alonso's stewardship has seen Real Madrid refine their approach, climbing closer to the Spaniard's vision of a cohesive, dynamic unit.

Against Dortmund, Real Madrid opted for a back four and, notably, left Kylian Mbappe on the bench. This tactical flexibility has broadened their options, with Alonso uncovering new strengths. Francisco Garcia has brought energy to the left flank, while young academy star Francisco Alvarez has chipped in with crucial goals.

Remarkably, Real Madrid have seen four consecutive goals scored by Spanish players, a stark contrast to their previous 46 strikes, which all came from foreign stars.

"This team is growing every week," Alonso said after the Dortmund match. "We're finding balance and new ways to hurt opponents."

A Rivalry Reignited

The New Jersey showdown marks the 13th meeting between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, a rivalry that has intensified in recent years, both on and off the pitch. Their head-to-head record stands at five wins for Real Madrid, four for Paris Saint-Germain, and three draws since their first clash in the 1993 UEFA Cup.

The most memorable encounter came on 9 March 2022, when Real Madrid staged a dramatic 3-1 comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu. That night, David Alaba's chair-waving celebration and Nasser Al-Khelaifi's furious reaction in the tunnels became iconic moments.

Back then, Kylian Mbappe was a Paris Saint-Germain player. Now, wearing Real Madrid's white, he faces his former club for the first time, with tensions still simmering from his acrimonious departure.

"Kylian will be motivated," said Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane. "He knows what this match means, and he'll want to prove a point."

On X, fans are buzzing with anticipation. One user posted, "Madrid vs PSG in the Club World Cup? This is bigger than most finals! Mbappe against his old team, can't wait!" Another wrote, "PSG look unstoppable, but Alonso's Madrid are building something special. This could go either way."

The sentiment on X suggests a split opinion, with some backing Paris Saint-Germain's firepower and others believing Real Madrid's grit could steal the day.

A Semi-Final for the Ages

With both teams in scintillating form and a rich history of drama, this semi-final is set to deliver fireworks. For Real Madrid, it's a chance to assert their resurgence under Alonso. For Paris Saint-Germain, it's an opportunity to cement their status as the team to beat.

One thing is certain: New Jersey will witness a spectacle that football fans won't soon forget.

Dates, venues, and kick-off times for the Nedbank Cup round of 16 confirmed