Real Madrid defender Éder Militão acknowledged that the Spanish side was outplayed by Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal, saying the team "lacked intensity" and failed to match the French club’s physical approach. Speaking to reporters after the heavy defeat on 9 July, Militão said Madrid fell short in key duels from the start of the match and needed “more focus, more desire” to contend with PSG’s high-tempo opening. He was the only Madrid player to address the media following the loss, which ended the club’s hopes of adding a first Club World Cup title under manager Carlo Ancelotti in the expanded tournament format.