Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fell to a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Botafogo in the second group game at the Club World Cup in the early hours of Friday.
In a match between two continental champions, PSG, current UEFA Champions League winners, were brought back down to earth by Botafogo, South America’s Copa Libertadores holders, thanks to Igor Jesus’ first-half strike.
The Brazilians ceded possession to PSG, who had over 70% of the ball, and relied on counterattacks to create chances. While PSG could not take their opportunities, Botafogo were clinical, with Jesus charging past two defenders on the counter before seeing his shot take a slight deflection and into the net for 1-0.
Renato Pavia’s side treated the packed Rose Bowl stadium to a defensive masterclass against Luis Enrique’s high-scoring side, riding their luck via the VAR, who ruled a PSG goal out for offside, but ultimately securing all three points that gives them a better chance of playing in the knockout rounds.
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Earlier, Lionel Messi scored the winner- a trademark free kick- to lead less-fancied Inter Miami to victory over FC Porto. The 37-year-old Argentine netted the excellent 25-yard free-kick on 54 minutes for his 68th career free-kick goal, completing the turnaround for Inter who had trailed to Samu Omorodion’s first half goal for Porto.
Inter Miami sit second in Group A, tied on four points with table-topping Palmeiras, the Brazilians who secured a 2-0 victory over Al Ahly.
RESULTS
Palmeiras 2-0 Al Ahly
Inter Miami 2-1 FC Porto
Seattle Sounders 1-3 Atletico Madrid
PSG 0-1 Botafogo
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