Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo: South American Upset Rocks Club World Cup

Europe took a double hit in a single day, and Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo was at the center of it. In one of the biggest shocks of the Club World Cup so far, Brazil’s Botafogo pulled off a 1-0 win over the Champions League winners in Group B.

The Copa Libertadores champions struck first. Jesus Igor, who ran in between Willian Pacho and Lucas Beraldo at just the right moment, got the ball from Marlon Freitas and split the PSG defense. A low shot that deflected off Pacho slipped past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

After halftime, PSG responded. John, the keeper for Botafogo, stopped Goncalo Ramos’ close-range header that nearly equalized the score. Luis Enrique’s last ditch efforts to get the equalizer by bringing on Joao Neves, Bradley Barcola, Nuno Mendes and Fabian Ruiz did nothing against the resolute Botafogo team coached by John Textor.

As they qualify, Botafogo leads Group B with three points, three points ahead of second place.  The nature of the competition will definitely change because for the first time this season, four South American clubs lead four of the eight groups.

Two European Teams Lose in a Single Day

Before Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo and the earlier Inter Miami vs Porto game, Europe seemed in control of the Club World Cup. But in just eight hours, two of their clubs were handed surprising defeats.

This could be good news. There were real concerns that the tournament would feel one-sided. That fear faded fast.

First, Inter Miami shocked Porto. Then, Botafogo took down a team many expected to cruise through the group stage. These aren’t random flukes. Botafogo defended compactly and hit PSG on the counter with pace and power. It was a disciplined, smart game plan.

South American clubs have now played eight matches against clubs from other continents. Their record: five wins, three draws. No losses.

The advantage might be in timing. They’re still playing in South America and just pausing in Europe. The gap between continents is narrowing.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo: Igor Jesus Steals the Spotlight

It seemed that way. PSG had the advantage, at least for the time being, because with Botafogo just getting possession back, PSG defenders Pacho and Beraldo seemingly in good position.

But Igor Jesus had other ideas.

He’s not flashy. He doesn’t weave through defenders or dazzle with tricks. What he does is chase everything. And when he saw a tiny gap between Pacho and Beraldo, he took it.

Jefferson Savarino spotted his run and slipped in a perfectly weighted pass. Igor Jesus powered forward, took two quick touches, and placed his shot low. A deflection helped it past Donnarumma, and moments later, he was in the crowd, celebrating with traveling fans.

Did Luis Enrique Get His Lineup Wrong?

In their first Club World Cup match against a non-European team, Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo became a test of squad depth—and Enrique’s choices raised some questions.

Ousmane Dembele was unavailable, so Goncalo Ramos started up top. The midfield featured youngsters Senny Mayulu and Warren Zaire-Emery helping Vitinha. In defense, Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Beraldo were preferred over Nuno Mendes and Marquinhos.

The result was uneven. Despite controlling the ball, PSG lacked bite in the last third.  Khvicha Kvaratskhelia got off to a great start but then faded gradually. Ramos could not connect on a Desire Doue cross from practically in goal. Defensively, Beraldo and Pacho held up for a bit, but once Igor Jesus netted his goal, it was clear they were too spaced out in coverage and a bit lacking in situational awareness.

Luis Enrique subbed Mendes, Neves, Ruiz and Barcola in the second half. PSG looked sharper afterward and came close to equalizing. But the damage had been done early.

Botafogo’s back line gained confidence as the match went on. Enrique’s rotation may have been a gamble that didn’t pay off. A stronger XI from the start might have tilted the match PSG’s way.

What’s Next for PSG?

Monday, June 23: Paris Saint-Germain vs Seattle Sounders – Club World Cup group stage

What’s Next for Botafogo?

Monday, June 23: Botafogo vs Atletico Madrid – Club World Cup group stage (Pasadena)