As Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid prepare to face off in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final, all eyes are on the reunion between PSG coach Luis Enrique and his former star player, Kylian Mbappe. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. However, Luis Enrique has been reluctant to discuss Mbappe, focusing instead on the future of his current squad.

Luis Enrique has dismissed comparisons between his current Champions League-winning PSG squad and the team that included Mbappe before his move to Real Madrid. When asked if PSG is better without Mbappe, Luis Enrique stated, "This is a question about the past and I'm not here to talk about the past, I'm only thinking about the future". Despite his reluctance to discuss Mbappe directly, Luis Enrique acknowledged that facing his former player adds "spice" to the encounter, adding that playing against Real Madrid, "the most successful team in the world" is "definitely extra motivation".

The match is more than just a game; it's a reunion filled with recent history and potential tension. Luis Enrique and Mbappe spent one season together at PSG but did not win the Champions League. After Mbappe's departure, Luis Enrique suggested he felt liberated, stating, "There were situations I couldn't control, because I had a player who moved wherever he wanted. Next season, I'll control everything. Everything". This implied that Mbappe's on-field leadership disrupted the team's tactical balance. Without Mbappe, Luis Enrique led PSG to a domestic treble and their first-ever Champions League title.

Mbappe's move to Real Madrid was driven by his desire to win the Champions League, a title he couldn't secure in Paris. However, his first season with Real Madrid concluded without major trophies, while his former team won the Champions League. Despite this, Mbappe has remained composed, stating, "PSG won the Champions League without me, and that doesn't affect me. It's a good thing".

Both PSG and Real Madrid entered the Club World Cup as favorites. PSG has been in near-perfect form, with the exception of a group stage defeat to Botafogo. Real Madrid has remained undefeated under Xabi Alonso. The two teams have a history of Champions League battles, but they haven't played each other since 2022. In their 12 previous competitive meetings, Real Madrid has won five times, PSG has won four times, and there have been three draws.

The match will also present challenges due to the weather conditions in New Jersey. The teams will face an afternoon kickoff in scorching heat, with temperatures expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) and high humidity. Luis Enrique acknowledged the conditions, stating, "We're getting used to it. Playing in these conditions, because that's been the norm during the World Cup. It'll be business as usual," and, "It's not good for the spectacle because it's difficult to play in that position. It's the same for both teams".

The winner of the PSG vs. Real Madrid semi-final will face Chelsea in the final. Chelsea secured their place by defeating Fluminense 2-0.