Four days after the resounding 4-0 victory over Atlético Madrid in their opening match of the Club World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain faced Brazilian side Botafogo. Luis Enrique made several changes to the starting XI, as Lucas Beraldo and Lucas Hernandez started in defence, while Warren Zaïre-Emery and Senny Mayulu took their places in midfield.
However, Paris remained true to their DNA in their second outing at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The start of the match quickly set the tone, illustrated by the intense pressing that has become a trademark of the team. Les Rouge et Bleu burst out of the blocks, creating wave after wave of attacks led by the irrepressible Khvicha Kvaratskhelia down the left wing.
The Georgian forward fired the first shot in anger, with a powerful curling effort (2’). The massive possession and territorial dominance failed to translate into a goal, however, and it was the Brazilians who struck on the counter, against the run of play. Igor Jesus took advantage of a moment’s hesitation to open the scoring with a deflected shot (0-1, 36’).
This opening goal did little to change the course of the game and the UEFA Champions League winners continued to take the game to the Copa Libertadores winners. Botafogo threw all their efforts into defending their slender advantage as Paris laid siege to the South Americans’ goal as, more than ever, the game became an exercise in attack versus defence.
In the search for an equalising goal, coach Luis Enrique brought on fresh legs with Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Fabian Ruiz, and Bradley Barcola all introduced before the hour mark. The pressure from Paris intensified in a one-sided final half hour, with the European champions throwing everything at their opponents, but Botafogo defended as if their lives depended on it. Bradley Barcola thought he has equalised, only to see it disallowed for offside (78'), as luck abandoned the side from the French capital.
Despite a very solid overall team performance, Paris Saint-Germain were caught out by a courageous and clinical Botafogo. Les Rouge et Bleu will now play for a place in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup in their third and final group stage match against Seattle Sounders on Monday (21:00 CET).