Kylian Mbappe faced off against Paris Saint-Germain but was unable to inspire his Real Madrid side to a positive result as the French champions ran riot in the Club World Cup
Kylian Mbappe had the awkwardness of meeting an ex in the Club World Cup semi-final - and it didn't go well right from the start. A year on from departing Paris Saint-Germain for free, the Frenchman was forced to confront his former side a matter weeks after watching them claim Champions League glory that has so far eluded him.
Luis Enrique's side swiftly moved on and entered the United States as favourites to collect another trophy. Mbappe and Real Madrid stood in their way at New York's MetLife stadium, albeit not for long.
But even before the reunion things did not go smoothly for Mbappe. The game was first delayed by 10 minutes after both sides were confronted by heavy traffic on their way to the game from Manhattan.
The semi-finalists could only complete truncated warm ups as they bid to take to the field quickly following their arrival. And during the last-minute preparations Mbappe's night started with an apology.
The World Cup winner smashed a ball towards goal but missed the target. Instead, a FIFA volunteer took the brunt of the effort and fell to the ground clutching his face.
Mbappe responded well however and rushed towards the victim as a crowd gathered around them. The 26-year-old attempted to comfort the injured party, checked on his wellbeing and looked to help them regain their composure.
And after the volunteer's recovery, it went no better for Mbappe. The superstar went goalless as 2024 Champions League winners Real Madrid fell to defeat.
It took just nine minutes for Los Blancos to find themselves 2-0 down. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring with six minutes on the clock before former Barcelona ace Ousmane Dembele continued his spectacular year to double the lead.
The La Liga side were unable to ride PSG's advances out as Ruiz found his second goal after 24 minutes. The Ligue 1 champions were then able to take their foot of the gas and make changes throughout the remainder of the game before Goncalo Ramos scored with three minutes remaining to seal progress to the final.
Rather than goalscoring, Mbappe's night was met with disappointment as he greeted figures of his past in Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marquinhos with warm embrace. Mbappe's next steps will see him afforded time off before pre-season begins.
PSG next play Chelsea in the Club World Cup final looking to add another trophy to their tally in 2025.