PSG 2 x 0 Seattle Sounders: French Side Clinch Top Spot in Group B as Sounders Exit the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Winless
In the final round of Group B at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Seattle Sounders 2–0 at Lumen Field on Monday night (June 23). The match was defined by PSG’s dominant first half, with an opening goal in the 35th minute by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and the result was sealed in the second half in the 66th minute with a goal from Achraf Hakimi, finishing off a swift counterattack initiated by Bradley Barcola. Despite a promising and aggressive start, Seattle failed to capitalize on their chances and ultimately saw the visitors take full control.
In the 35th minute, the breakthrough for PSG came from a corner delivered from the left. The Seattle defense cleared the initial ball, but it fell to Vitinha at the edge of the box. The midfielder struck a shot that seemed to be heading wide, only for it to deflect off Kvaratskhelia’s back and sneak into the net, leaving goalkeeper Stefan Frei with no chance. In the second half, PSG controlled possession and extended their lead through a clinical counterattack. Barcola broke down the right flank and, drawing defenders in, squared the ball to Hakimi, who finished with ease from close range. Seattle tried to respond with late pressure but failed to breach PSG’s solid defense.
The man of the match was undoubtedly Vitinha, who orchestrated the midfield for Paris Saint-Germain with composure and precision. The Portuguese international completed 107 of his 113 passes, playing a key role in dictating the pace of play and maintaining control during transitional phases. With the result, Paris Saint-Germain finished the group stage with six points from three matches, securing first place in Group B.
Atlético de Madrid 1 x 0 Botafogo: Spanish victory with Griezmann stunner not enough to stop Brazilian qualification at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
In the third and decisive round of Group B of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Atlético de Madrid defeated Botafogo 1–0 on Monday night (June 23) at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (USA). The Spaniards’ win came late, in the 87th minute, with a stunning goal by Antoine Griezmann, but the result though positive was not enough to secure qualification to the round of 16. Botafogo, despite the loss, advanced thanks to their superior goal difference and their historic win over PSG in the previous round. The match was intense throughout, marked by relentless pressure from Atlético, outstanding saves by goalkeepers Jan Oblak and John, clear chances for both teams, and tension all the way into stoppage time.
The game began with promising attacking moves from Botafogo. In the 10th minute, Jefferson Savarino received a pass from Igor Jesus and fired from inside the box, but Oblak pulled off a great save. Atlético responded with dangerous shots from Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth, but Botafogo’s goalkeeper John made at least two crucial stops in the first half. In stoppage time before halftime, the referee checked a potential penalty for Atlético via VAR, but no foul was given.
In the second half, Atlético maintained control and dominated possession. In the 67th minute, Botafogo had their best opportunity: Cuiabano crossed into the box, and Igor Jesus fired a dangerous shot, once again denied by a spectacular save from Oblak. The breakthrough finally came in the 87th minute: after a move by Ángel Correa, the ball deflected off the defense and fell to Griezmann, who calmly controlled and fired with his left foot into the bottom corner 1–0 Atlético de Madrid. In added time, Atlético continued pressing with successive corners and close range shots from Correa, Koke, and Griezmann, but the score remained unchanged.
With the results of this final round in Group B, Paris Saint-Germain finished first with six points, followed by Botafogo, also with six, but with a lower goal difference . Atlético de Madrid also ended the group stage with six points but were eliminated due to an inferior goal difference compared to the other two teams. Seattle Sounders, having lost all three matches, finished at the bottom with zero points.
As a result, Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo have advanced to the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. PSG will face Inter Miami, second in Group A, in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Botafogo will take on Palmeiras, the Group A leaders, in an all-Brazilian showdown in Philadelphia. Atlético de Madrid, despite their win, exit the tournament with the disappointment of an early elimination.
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