PSG Suffer Huge Blow as Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho Set to Miss CWC Semifinal Against Real Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain face a defensive crisis ahead of their Club World Cup semifinal clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday, with key defenders Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho both suspended following red cards in their quarterfinal victory over Bayern Munich.

The French champions will be significantly weakened at the back when they face the Spanish giants at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey after both defenders received straight red cards in the dramatic 2-0 win over Bayern Munich that secured their semifinal berth.

Why the Players Will Miss the Match

Controversial events in the final minutes of PSG's quarterfinals win over Bayern Munich provide the basis for both suspensions. In the 83rd minute, Willian Pacho saw the first red for a hazardous studs-up tackle on Bayern player Leon Goretzka. English official Anthony Taylor deemed the Ecuadorian defender's careless tackle deserving of a straight red card, therefore bringing PSG down to ten men during a critical juncture in the game.

Things got worse for Luis Enrique's side when Lucas Hernandez was given a straight red card in the 92nd minute for aggressive behaviour. Dismissed after elbowing Bayern's Raphael Guerreiro in the jaw while both players were pursuing a loose ball, the French defender had only been introduced as a replacement in the 79th minute. Hernandez's choice to use his elbow seemed completely unnecessary given PSG's dominant position in the game.

Under FIFA Club World Cup rules, athletes getting straight red cards in the quarterfinals are automatically suspended for the semifinal; therefore, both defenders will be missing the all-important match versus Real Madrid.

Impact on Further Matches and Squad Depth

PSG was hit particularly hard by the suspensions since both players would have been critical to their defensive approach against Real Madrid's strong attack. Hernandez only recently returned to competitive action, having recovered from a major ACL injury sustained in May 2024 during PSG's Champions League semifinal against Borussia Dortmund. Recovering from the injury that also sidelined him for Euro 2024, the 29-year-old defender missed the start of the current campaign.

Pacho, meanwhile, was thought of as one of PSG's most reliable defenders and has been a consistent performer this season. His suspension seriously harms Luis Enrique's strategic plans as the coach had been counting on the South American's defensive stability against Real Madrid's firepower. Both players have been handed two-match suspensions, meaning they'll not only miss the semifinal but also the potential final if PSG manage to beat Real Madrid.

In their absence, PSG will be forced to play a makeshift defensive line against one of Europe's most potent attacking units, therefore highlighting the immediate impact on their Wednesday encounter. Luis Enrique is presented with a big tactical problem as he prepares his team for the semi-final fight. Lacking first-choice defenders, the Spanish coach would likely rely on Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Beraldo to correct any defensive shortcomings. Though only 21 years old, Beraldo is set to partner captain Marquinhos in central defence; Nuno Mendes will stay at his preferred left-back post.