The 2025 Club World Cup semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid on July 9 at MetLife Stadium in New York took an unexpected turn before kick-off. Marquinhos, PSG’s captain and defensive pillar, sparked a media storm with explosive remarks in which he claimed that Real Madrid’s success in the Champions League was not due to talent, but to luck and alleged favoritism by UEFA and the referees. These words, spoken in a pre-match press conference, generated a wave of reactions on social media, especially among fans of Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​where Marquinhos is currently playing on a surprising loan. However, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso’s response was as forceful as it was brief: “History doesn’t lie, we won.” Those seven words silenced the Brazilian and further fueled the rivalry ahead of this crucial match.

Marquinhos, known for his leadership and defensive solidity, is no stranger to controversy, but his comments have struck a chord with Real Madrid fans. During the press conference, the center-back stated: “Real Madrid has been lucky for decades. Their Champions League titles are not just due to quality, but also to refereeing decisions and the support of UEFA.” These accusations are not new in European football, where Real Madrid has frequently been singled out for alleged refereeing favors. Historical cases, such as the dubious penalty awarded to Alfredo Di Stéfano in the 1957 final against Fiorentina or the disallowance of a Bayern Munich goal in 2024 for a controversial offside, have fueled these suspicions. However, the statements by Marquinhos, who is on loan at Barcelona after a difficult season with PSG, have been seen as an attempt to destabilize Real Madrid ahead of a key match.

Social media, especially X, has become a battleground. Real Madrid fans have defended their club’s 15 Champions League titles, highlighting the quality of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and now Kylian Mbappé. “Marquinhos should look at his own record before speaking,” wrote one user, while another commented: “Luck doesn’t win 15 European Cups.” Meanwhile, Barcelona and some PSG fans have echoed the Brazilian’s remarks, recalling refereeing controversies such as the disallowed goal for Matthijs de Ligt in 2024 or the penalty not awarded to Marcos Alonso in 2022. The controversy has escalated with the viralization of a video showing a toiletry bag with the Real Madrid crest in the dressing room of referee Szymon Marciniak, who is officiating this match, further fueling suspicions of bias.

The response of Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s new manager after succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, was a masterstroke. With his characteristic calm and precision, the Basque coach avoided the controversy. His seven words, delivered with a serene smile at the press conference, were interpreted as a reminder of Real Madrid’s dominance in Europe. Alonso, who took over the Madrid dugout in May 2025 after a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, is well aware of the pressure at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he played as a player. His arrival has generated excitement among fans, especially following the signings of Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who strengthen a team hit by injuries this season. Alonso also has experience handling high-tension situations, as he demonstrated by winning the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, and his response to Marquinhos reflects his ability to rise above the provocations.

The context for this match couldn’t be more intense. PSG, led by Luis Enrique, arrive as favorites after their crushing 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2025 Champions League. However, Real Madrid, with Mbappé in top form and a renewed spirit under Alonso, aren’t far behind. Marciniak’s appointment as referee has added fuel to the fire, as his record includes controversial decisions in Real Madrid matches, such as the disallowance of a Bayern goal in 2024, which drew criticism from Thomas Tuchel. PSG fans fear history repeating itself, while Real Madrid fans are confident their team will impose its quality on the pitch.

For Marquinhos, these statements could have consequences. Although his leadership is undisputed, his time at Barcelona has been inconsistent, and his words could be interpreted as an attempt to win over the Barça fans. However, the silence that followed Alonso’s response suggests that the Brazilian wasn’t expecting such a forceful retort. While the football world awaits this clash, the refereeing controversy remains a hot topic. FIFA and UEFA, under pressure, must ensure impartiality to prevent Marquinhos’s accusations from gaining further resonance. On the pitch, history will be written with goals, not words.