FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Botafogo stuns PSG, 1-0, in tournament's first major upset
Throughout the first round of the 2025 Club World Cup, the matchups between European giants and non-European underdogs has had a sense of lopsidedness. But on Thursday, that dynamic finally flipped, as Botafogo earned a stunning 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the second game of the group stage.
After a decisive 4-0 win over Atlético Madrid last weekend, PSG could have secured a spot in the knockout round of the tournament. Instead, in front of a loud contingent of Brazilian fans at the Rose Bowl, Botafogo was triumphant.
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PSG was, stats-wise, the better team throughout the game: They dominated possession (75%-25%), and had more shots on goal. But one goal was all Botafogo needed to get the win.
Botafogo quickly squared up against PSG, holding off multiple chances throughout the first half. And then, perhaps improbably, the Brazilian club struck first in the 36th minute. Striker Igor Jesus took on two defenders on a fast break before burying the ball into the net and give Botafogo the lead.
As the game progressed, PSG could not get the equalizer: Early in the second half, multiple set piece opportunities fell flat. Later on, in the 79th minute, a strike was called back due to offsides. PSG had several chances in the box that were snatched away by Botafogo's deep defending, and a few stunning saves from keeper John.
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As the game moved into stoppage time, PSG seemed in place to secure that long-awaited goal, with a free kick just outside the box. But the strike from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia went over the top of the goal, keeping Botafogo's lead alive.
Even in the final minutes of stoppage time, PSG was still hunting for that game-tying goal, but the club could not break Botafogo's narrow lead.
This story will be updated.
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