European champions Paris Saint-Germain's Club World Cup campaign off to a perfect start with a commanding 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid
LOS ANGELES — European champions Paris Saint-Germain's Club World Cup campaign off to a perfect start with a commanding 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Monday (IST).
The French side dominated the first half, and although Atletico improved slightly after the break, they created just one clear chance - which they missed - before PSG sealed the win in the closing minutes.
"We had the objective of making history this season, but this is a new chapter," PSG coach Luis Enrique said after the match.
Also read: Inter Miami, Al Ahly play out goalless draw in FIFA Club World Cup opener
Paris Saint-Germain was without Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola for the match, which kicked off under searing heat in a stadium with virtually no shade. Despite the absences, the European champions controlled the game from the start, reports Xinhua.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia posed a constant threat down the left and forced Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak into an early save before Fabian Ruiz broke the deadlock in the 19th minute.
PSG had controlled possession in the opening stages, and Ruiz put justice to the scoreline with a low strike from the edge of the area that gave Oblak no chance.
There was a nervous moment for PSG when Giuliano Simeone went down after tangling with Nuno Mendes. Mendes could have been in trouble as the last defender if a foul had been given, but the referee opted to play on.
Desire Doue and Kvaratskhelia both had further chances as PSG varied the tempo against an Atletico side that struggled with the heat and pace.
Antoine Griezmann had Atletico's only chance of the first half in stoppage time, but after PSG failed to clear a rare attack, he fired straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma. The PSG keeper launched a rapid counterattack that ended with Vitinha doubling the lead, curling home a shot after being left unmarked.
Atletico brought on Koke for Samuel Lino at halftime and looked to push forward, but PSG continued to threaten. Kvaratskhelia nearly added a third with a curling effort that Oblak tipped onto the bar.
Julian Alvarez found the net for Atletico in the 57th minute, but the goal was disallowed for a clear prior foul by Koke. Their hopes of a comeback faded further when Clement Lenglet was sent off for a second yellow card - the first for a bad challenge, and the second for protesting a perceived foul on Oblak.
Substitute Alexander Sorloth squandered a golden opportunity with 10 minutes remaining, firing over from four yards with the goal wide open. PSG then made it 3-0 in the 87th minute as Senny Mayulu turned and scored after Atletico failed to clear a cross.
There was still time for a fourth, with Kang-In Lee converting a penalty in stoppage time after Robin le Normand handled a shot inside the box.
"The club is hungry, the fans are hungry, the players and the team are hungry, and that's a good feeling. We have the same objective as in other competitions, which is to go as far as possible and try to win it," Enrique said.
"The team competed, despite the tough defeat, and a 4-0 scoreline. We're obliged to get good results in the other games now," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.
Botafogo beat Sounders; Palmeiras and FC Porto play out goalless draw
SEATTLE — Botafogo began their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 campaign with a 2-1 victory against Seattle Sounders FC on Monday (IST) at Lumen Field, the Major League Soccer side's home stadium on Monday (IST).
First-half goals from Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus left the Brazilians level with Paris Saint-Germain but in second place in Group B due to an inferior goal difference.
Botafogo grabbed the lead in the 28th minute. Sounders left-back Nouhou Tolo shoved Artur to the ground to draw the match’s first yellow card, and the South Americans capitalised on the ensuing free kick with Cunha’s towering header. It was the 20-year-old defender's first senior goal.
The Sounders rallied in the second half, however, and applied sustained pressure in the final half hour. The home side finally broke through in the 75th minute when Cristian Roldan’s glancing header deflected off a defender and into goalkeeper John Victor’s net.
"We started the game very well, had chances, and then we scored. The first half was ok, but we didn’t cope with their intensity in the second half. "It’s our DNA to have the ball, but we didn’t do that very well today, and that was a problem," said Botafogo head coach Renato Paiva.
"It was an exciting game. I’m happy for the fans and proud of the players’ effort. In the first half, we gave a couple of goals away but came back in the second half and made a statement. We showed we can compete. That’s what we’re asking: work and compete. And they did that tonight," said Seattle Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer.
Meanwhile, SE Palmeiras and FC Porto played out a pulsating 0-0 draw in the third game of Matchday 2 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.
Despite the scoreline, the game was characterised by attacking football, with both sides creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. The Brazilian side finished the match with 17 shots but just five on target.
The 0-0 draw means all teams in Group A are on one point, leaving everything to play for going into the group's second matchday.