Botafogo staged a spectacular 1-0 upset over European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in their FIFA Club World Cup Group B match at Lumen Field, Seattle, on June 19, 2025. The match, which began at 9:00 PM EDT, rocked the football universe as the Copa Libertadores winners stunned everyone against a galaxy of stars in PSG. With more than 50,000 spectators filling the stadium to provide an electric atmosphere, the match highlighted Botafogo’s resilience and tactical solidity, paving the way for an exciting tournament lasting from June 14 to July 13 in the United States.
Tiquinho Soares’ Decisive Strike
The defining moment of the game arrived in the 73rd minute when Botafogo’s experienced forward Tiquinho Soares exploited an unusual PSG defensive mistake. Marquinhos’ misplaced pass was picked up by Luiz Henrique, who drove forward and delivered a low cross that Soares easily finished past Gianluigi Donnarumma. PSG, having enjoyed 62% possession, found it difficult to pass through Botafogo’s tight 4-4-2 formation. Vitinha’s long-range attempt in the 55th minute and Gonçalo Ramos’s close-range header in the 80th were foiled by Botafogo’s goalkeeper John Victor, who took player-of-the-match honors.
PSG’s Star Power Falls Short
PSG under Luis Enrique had a strong lineup in the form of Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia but saw their attacking prowess dampened by Botafogo’s stubborn defense. Mbappé, who was still recovering from a minor sickness, was also marked closely by Bastos, restricting his contribution to only two shots on goal. Luis Enrique’s move to bring Senny Mayulu and Lee Kang-in off the bench in the 65th minute also did nothing to change the pace of the game, with Botafogo’s organized defense line led by Alexander Barboza denying them. The victory was PSG’s initial loss in the 2025 Club World Cup, having beaten Atlético Madrid 4-0.
Botafogo Boss Considers it a Tactical Victory
Botafogo manager Artur Jorge orchestrated the win through a strategy of counter-attacks and defensive strength. PSG’s rhythm was disrupted by the high pressing of the Brazilian team, which gained turnovers in attacking spaces. Luiz Henrique’s speed and Soares’ experience were the turning points, as midfielders Marlon Freitas and Gregore stifled PSG’s creative center. Jorge had words of praise for his team’s strength, saying, “We proved to the world what Brazilian football can do—heart and strategy.” The victory continues Botafogo’s good 2025 run, having won the Copa Libertadores earlier this year.
Group B Heats Up
The win puts Botafogo top of Group B, along with Seattle Sounders and Atlético Madrid, with their return fixture against Atlético Madrid on June 26 at the Los Angeles ‘Rose Bowl Stadium. PSG are now under pressure and will play Seattle Sounders on June 26, as they must win to revive their hopes of making it to the Round of 16. The result underlines the unpredictability of the enlarged 32-team Club World Cup, in which such minnows as Botafogo can knock over international titans. All the matches are available live to fans on DAZN, with the final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium.
A Global Celebration of Football
The upset set Copacabana Beach aflame with wild celebrations, according to FIFA, as Brazilian fans celebrated Botafogo’s historic victory. The game highlighted the Club World Cup’s mandate to unite continents, with 20 nations united in 11 U.S. venues. With $1 billion on offer, Botafogo’s victory is a statement of their ambition to challenge as world’s greatest club. Throughout the tournament, this outcome will be recalled as a turning point, demonstrating the strength and quality of South American soccer against European greats.
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