Knock down the "rich guy"

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) met Botafogo in the second round of Group B - FIFA Club World Cup 2025, a match between the two clubs with the best performance in Europe and South America. The match brought many emotions to fans, but PSG fans were completely disappointed when the rich French team was defeated by the team considered the underdog.

Botafogo are on the rise after winning the Serie A and Copa Libertadores double in 2024. The opening match of the group stage against Seattle Sounders gave them many opportunities and won 2-1. With ambitious American owner John Textor, Botafogo is ready to face any opponent on equal terms. However, facing the King of Europe who possesses many names that can make a difference and goals can come from anywhere, scored by any player, Botafogo's head coach Artur Jorge and his team cannot be subjective with the strength of PSG's attack. The two sides have never met before, but with PSG's current form, Botafogo cannot be an equal opponent. The team from Brazil can only rely on counter-attacking play to exploit any loopholes in the French team's high defense. And in this confrontation, Botafogo only needed one opportunity, the Samba team made the "rich guy" from France taste the bitter fruit.

As for PSG, they had a perfect opening match against Atletico Madrid. With superior attacking power, the "rich guy" from France had a devastating 4-0 victory over the team from La Liga. With a tight defense, coach Luis Enrique's team kept a clean sheet for the third consecutive time. On the offensive front, the UEFA Champions League champion often launches a finishing blow against opponents near the penalty area with many effective attacking options. As for opponents from the land of Samba, the French capital team has a perfect record in international matches, winning all 3 previous encounters. Despite having to play a tight schedule, Luis Enrique's army showed that they "play harder and harder". The overwhelming victory in PSG's opening match against Atletico proved that. However, in the match against Botafogo on the morning of June 20, PSG suffered the first shock in their first participation in the tournament.

Excited after the 4-0 demolition of Atletico Madrid, PSG quickly took control of the match and put pressure on Botafogo's goal. Dominating the opponent in terms of ball possession in the first half, PSG encountered many difficulties against Botafogo's pressing style of play. Accepting the inferiority, Botafogo chose a tight defense and quick counterattack strategy. With that strategy, Botafogo created a surprise with the opening goal in the 36th minute. After stealing the ball from midfield, the Brazilian team organized a quick attack. Igor Jesus' shot hit Pacho's foot and changed direction, making it impossible for goalkeeper Donnarumma to save. The score of 1-0 in favor of Botafogo remained until the end of the first half.

Early in the second half, Goncalo Ramos had a chance to equalize 1-1 but was denied by goalkeeper John Victor from close range from a free kick. Botafogo tightened their defense further, leaving PSG unable to find the net even after replacing four starters. As the match drew to a close, PSG launched a full-force attack, but Botafogo's defense remained steadfast against the pressure of the reigning European champions until the final whistle.

With this victory, Botafogo has won all 6 points, considered to have won a ticket to the 1/8 round of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. As for PSG, although they were considered to be superior in terms of class, they surprisingly lost to Botafogo. The shocking defeat in Pasadena caused Enrique and his team to lose the top spot in Group B, missing the opportunity to win an early ticket to the next round. The battle for the remaining ticket became more difficult for the "rich guy" from France.

Source: https://baobinhthuan.com.vn/quat-nga-ga-nha-giau-131196.html