FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Botafogo stuns PSG, 1-0, in tournament's first major upset - Yahoo Sports
The 2025 Club World Cup's first matchup Sunday between a European giant and a non-European underdog ended with the assumed outcome. But since then, the non-European squads have been fighting back against Europe's perceived soccer superiority. On Thursday, that trend continued 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 on Sunday, PSG could have secured a spot in the knockout round of the tournament with a win Thursday. Instead, in front of a loud contingent of Brazilian fans at the Rose Bowl, Brazil's Botafogo was triumphant.
There had already been a few underwhelming performances in the tournament so far, including Inter Milan being held to a 1-1 draw against Monterrey, and Real Madrid nearly dropping the ball in a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal.
But Botafogo's victory marked the first significant upset in the Club World Cup so far: PSG, the best team at the tournament and the reigning victors in the UEFA Champions League, falling to the Brazilian club without putting up much fight.
PSG was, stats-wise, the better team throughout the game: They dominated possession (75%-25%), and had four times as many shots (16, as opposed to Botafogo's four). But Botafogo, taking advantage of transitions and fast breaks, was far more efficient with its opportunities: All four shots were on target, while only two of PSG's were.
And in the end, 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 to 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 Victor.
With the game moving 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 through.
The win throws Group B into chaos, keeping avenues alive for all four teams to advance to the next round. (Suddenly, the goal differential from Atlético's 4-0 loss to PSG seems a lot more important.) Meanwhile, Botafogo has a clear shot at the knockout round: The club needs only a win or draw Monday against Atletí to advance, and unseat one of the European powerhouses in the group stage.
