Brazilian champions Botafogo pulled off a major upset at the Club World Cup on Thursday, defeating European titleholders Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in a tense and closely contested clash at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
A first-half strike from Brazil international Igor Jesus proved decisive in the Group B encounter, as the Rio de Janeiro-based club moved to the brink of qualification for the knockout stage. The result came before a raucous crowd of 53,699, who witnessed a determined Botafogo side outlast one of the tournament favourites.
PSG, who had stormed into the competition following a dominant 5-0 win over Inter Milan in last month’s UEFA Champions League final, entered Thursday’s fixture as favourites. However, their usual attacking rhythm was disrupted by a gritty and disciplined Botafogo team that held firm under pressure.
Jesus, who coolly slotted home in the 36th minute after latching onto Jefferson Savarino’s precise through ball, was the standout performer. The 22-year-old forward shrugged off PSG defender Willian Pacho and fired past Gianluigi Donnarumma with a deflected finish.
“A lot of people wondered, but we showed how strong Botafogo is,” said Jesus after the match. “It was a difficult game. We had to defend well and did our job. I think I made the right choice to stay with Botafogo.”
The Brazilian club’s midfield trio—Marlon Freitas, Gregore, and Allan—played a vital role in stifling PSG’s creativity, particularly neutralising Vitinha’s influence in the centre of the park.
PSG coach Luis Enrique acknowledged the toughness of the contest.
“We knew it was going to be very difficult — they defended very well,” he said. “This Club World Cup is intense. Every team is motivated, especially when they play against us.”
Despite dominating possession and creating some pressure in the second half, PSG could not break down the Botafogo backline. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came closest early in the game, curling a shot that was well saved by Botafogo goalkeeper John.
Enrique remained optimistic about his side’s prospects. “If there’s a team that can turn it around, it’s our team. We need to analyse this and improve. But overall, I think our performance wasn’t bad.”
Botafogo now top Group B with one game remaining against Atletico Madrid, also to be played in Pasadena on Monday. PSG, meanwhile, will need a result in their final group game to keep their hopes of a last-16 berth alive.
