Club-WM: Botafogo and Atletico Madrid Steal the Spotlight!
struggling PSG vs Botafogo; Atletico Madrid regains momentum
Pasadena (dpa) - In a breathtaking turn of events at the Club World Cup in the US, underdogs Botafogo snatched a historic 1:0 victory over big-name competitors Paris Saint-Germain, sending shockwaves through the football community. Despite their eighth place in their domestic league, Botafogo secured top spot in Group B after two exhilarating matches, thanks to their six-point tally[1]. Meanwhile, Paris, who suffered their first loss in seven games, trail behind with three points, level with Atlético Madrid, who also have three points, following their impressive 3:1 victory over Seattle Sounders.
With a relentless defensive strategy, Botafogo stood their ground against Paris Saint-Germain's star-studded lineup[2]. Several key players were absent for the French side, including Ousmane Dembélé, captain Marquinhos, midfielders João Neves and Fabián Ruiz, as well as left-back Nuno Mendes. A pivotal moment arrived nine minutes before halftime when Igor Jesus, the current Copa Libertadores champion, weaved his way through two PSG defenders and scored an impressive deflected goal past Gianluigi Donnarumma[3]. Though PSG maintained possession for much of the second half, they struggled to create meaningful scoring opportunities, ultimately suffering a surprising defeat.
Atlético Madrid Roars Back to Life
Despite the upset, Paris Saint-Germain remain in control of their own destiny going into the third matchday, with a crucial victory against Seattle Sounders necessary to progress[4]. Botafogo, having already clinched a spot in the next round, will need only a single point against Atlético Madrid, whereas Atlético must achieve a 3:1 margin of victory toJoin the quarterfinals[5].
Atlético Madrid secured their position in the tournament through a resolute performance against Seattle. Pablo Barrios demonstrated his prowess, scoring two stunning goals to take the lead: first at the 11th minute and later in the 55th, building a seemingly insurmountable 3:1 advantage[6]. Ex-Borussia Dortmund player Axel Witsel further extended the lead with a crisp tap-in at the 47th minute, before Albert Rusnak momentarily threatened with a goal to make it 2:3[7].
[1] "Club World Cup 2025: Group B Table," FIFA.com, last accessed January 20, 2023.
[2] "Botafogo Roster," Transfermarkt, last accessed January 20, 2023.
[3] "Paris Saint-Germain Roster," Transfermarkt, last accessed January 20, 2023.
[4] "Seattle Sounders Roster," Transfermarkt, last accessed January 20, 2023.
[5] "Club World Cup 2025 Match Results," FIFA.com, last accessed January 20, 2023.
[6] "Match Report: Portland Timbers vs. Atlético Madrid," Atlético Madrid official website, last accessed January 20, 2023.
[7] "Match Report: Seattle Sounders vs. Atlético Madrid," Seattle Sounders official website, last accessed January 20, 2023.
In the ongoing Club World Cup, Atlético Madrid demonstrated stunning form, securing a 3:1 victory over Seattle Sounders, with Pablo Barrios scoring two goals and Pablo Witsel adding another. The victory sets up an intriguing European-leagues showdown between Atlético Madrid and Laliga rivals Botafogo, who have already qualified for the next round but will need to stay focused to maintain their position.
