Botafogo pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup so far, defeating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 on Thursday (19th) at the Rose Bowl in the second round of the tournament’s group stage.
While the reigning UEFA Champions League holders dominated possession and created more chances, it was the Brazilian side who executed their game plan to perfection. Solid in defence and ruthless on the counter, Botafogo delivered a masterclass in tactical discipline.
The decisive moment came in the first half, when Savarino teed up Igor Jesus, who outmuscled his marker and fired home—benefiting from a cruel deflection off Pancho—to give the Libertadores champions a memorable lead.
After the break, PSG boss Luis Enrique introduced a host of star names, unleashing the bulk of his Champions League-winning squad—bar Ousmane Dembélé—in an attempt to claw their way back into the contest.
However, the Parisians appeared rattled by the unexpected scoreline and resorted to pumping crosses into the box. Their best chance came from a Gonçalo Ramos header that took a wicked deflection, forcing a reaction save from goalkeeper John.
PSG came into the match on a run of six straight wins, including a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the Champions League final and a 4-0 thrashing of Atlético de Madrid in their Club World Cup opener.
The result marks a significant moment for South American football. Not since Corinthians beat Chelsea in Japan in 2012 had a CONMEBOL side overcome European opposition in the competition.
With two wins from two, Botafogo now top Group B with six points and are well placed to advance, needing only a draw against Atlético de Madrid in the final round to secure a spot in the round of 16.
PSG, meanwhile, remain on three points and must beat the already-eliminated Seattle Sounders to avoid relying on results elsewhere. Atlético also sit on three points, but trail the French side on goal difference (+3 to -2).
