Botafogo shocks PSG - and completely freezes their offense
On Friday night, Group B at the Club World Cup took on a whole new dynamic, mainly because Brazilian representative Botafogo unexpectedly brought Champions League winners Paris to a halt.
That's when it happened: Igor Jesus turns to celebrate. IMAGO/Imagn Images
The balance of power before kickoff was actually clear: on one side, the clear underdog from Rio de Janeiro, on the other, the reigning Champions League winners. Paris had won their last three competitive matches – including the Coupe de France and Champions League finals – by a score of 12-0.
Even though Luis Enrique rotated his squad after the 4-0 opening win against Atletico, a dominant performance from the French treble winners was expected. PSG enjoyed plenty of possession, but rarely forced the ball into the net. Only two of the 16 shots found the net in Botafogo's net, while all four of the Brazilians' shots landed on Donnarumma.
And the 2021 Italian European champions couldn't parry one: In the 36th minute, Botafogo – typical of the game – was venomous in the tackles and sought quick counterattacks. A through ball was enough to embarrass PSG. Igor Jesus held onto the ball, fooled former Frankfurt player Pacho, and then benefited from the Ecuadorian's deflection.
Only dangerous on free kicksThe section of the 53,699-seat Rose Bowl that supported the Brazilians was absolutely thrilled. At that moment, however, the fans probably had no idea they were witnessing a historic victory. However, PSG never found its fearsome, fluid passing game, which had so dizzyingly played its opponents over the past month.
After the break, a deflected free kick from Vitinha (51') was the most dangerous approach for a long time, before Kvaratskhelia lifted a free kick into the roof of the net in stoppage time (90'+2'). Thus, PSG's first defeat since May 3 ( 1-2 in Strasbourg ) was complete.
| stadium | Pasadena Rose Bowl |
| Viewers | 53,699 |
Botafogo now holds pole position in Group B ahead of their clash with Atletico on Monday (9 p.m.), while PSG, the closest rival, is under pressure in their parallel match against Seattle.
