Enrique: Botafogo defended 'almost like no other team' in Europe

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique is pictured during the UEFA Champions League final soccer match between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain at Munich Football Arena. Enrique praised Botafogo after his Paris Saint-Germain side was stunned 1-0 by the Copa Libertadores champions at the Club World Cup. Christian Charisius/dpa
Coach Luis Enrique praised Botafogo after his Paris Saint-Germain side was stunned 1-0 by the Copa Libertadores champions at the Club World Cup.
"Obvisouly we are frustrated with the result. It was a very tight game, Botafogo defended very well, like almost no other team in Ligue 1 or in the Champions League," Enrique said after the match on Thursday evening in Los Angeles.
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"Playing against us is an extra source of motivation for our opponents. We need to do better," he added.
Igor Jesus' goal gave Botafogo the lead in the 36th minute. The club from Rio de Janeiro then had a very strong defensive performance to secure a first victory for a Brazilian team against an European side in 13 years.
With the win, Botafogo top Group B with six points and need a draw against Atletico Madrid on Monday to advance to the last 16.
Jesus said after the game that his vision was blurred after he scored and that "it felt like a dream."
Botafogo are one of the most traditional teams in South America and was once home of Brazil national team greats such as Garrincha, Nilton Santos, Jairzinho, among others.
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In recent years, the club has gone through difficult times, including relegations to the second division in 2014 and 2019. However, the arrival of American investor John Textor in 2022 has put the club again among the top teams.
Last year, they won their maiden Copa Liberadores and the first Brazilian league title since 1995.
"It's supernatural. We knew the difficulties. PSG is a great team collectively and individually. I believe Botafogo had 1% to win this game and 1% for us is a lot," midfielder Marlon Freitas said.

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