Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Jul 9: Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has termed the upcoming Club World Cup semi-final clash with Real Madrid a ‘special’ encounter, while sidestepping questions about a high-profile reunion with former PSG star Kylian Mbappe.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s big match at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the PSG boss said, “Playing against Real Madrid is always a special game. We are delighted to be here – it means we’ve done well to reach this point.”

This will be PSG’s first major showdown with Mbappe since the French striker’s blockbuster move to Real Madrid earlier this year. Enrique, who managed Mbappe during a tense final season in Paris, made it clear he wasn’t dwelling on the past. “That chapter is closed. It’s all behind us,” he said.

PSG enter the semi-final riding high after clinching their first-ever UEFA Champions League title last season. However, they will be without key defenders Willian Pacho and Lucas Hernandez, both suspended following red cards in their fiery quarter-final win over Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid, now under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso, are beginning a fresh chapter themselves. “It’s hard to assess Madrid under Xabi just yet. He’s only starting, but he has everything needed to succeed,” Enrique remarked. Despite his long-standing ties with Barcelona, Enrique spoke respectfully of his old rivals: “It’s always a pleasure to face Real Madrid. They’re the most decorated club in the world.”

Real's preparations were slightly disrupted by a delayed flight from Florida due to stormy weather, with coach Xabi Alonso skipping Tuesday’s media interaction.

The winner of this high-voltage semi-final will face Chelsea in the final on Sunday, after the English side comfortably defeated Brazil’s Fluminense 2-0.

With continental glory already secured, PSG now aim to cap their season with a global triumph, while Real Madrid look to usher in their new era with silverware.