Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a clinical performance to eliminate the Seattle Sounders from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, securing top spot in Group B with a commanding 2-0 victory at Lumen Field on Monday. The European champions, fresh from their UEFA Champions League triumph, showcased their credentials as tournament favorites, overcoming a spirited but ultimately outmatched Seattle side. Here’s how the match unfolded and what it means for the road ahead.
1. PSG’s Statement Start to Club World Cup Campaign
PSG entered the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with sky-high expectations, having completed a historic treble by winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the UEFA Champions League in a single season. Manager Luis Enrique made it clear that his squad was determined to make a mark in the United States, and the team’s ambition was evident from the outset.
Despite a strong start by the Sounders in this Club World Cup match, who pressed high and tested PSG’s defense in the opening minutes, the French side soon settled into their rhythm. The match’s early stages saw Seattle enjoy some possession and even threaten on set pieces, but PSG’s superior quality and experience began to tell as the game progressed.
2. Kvaratskhelia’s Fortuitous Opener (Club World Cup)
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute in the Club World Cup match, courtesy of a fortunate deflection. After a PSG corner was cleared to the edge of the box, Vitinha unleashed a curling effort that took a decisive deflection off Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s back, wrong-footing Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei and nestling into the net.
This goal underlined PSG’s ability to capitalize on set-piece situations and maintain pressure, even when not at their absolute best. The strike also highlighted the fine margins that often decide matches at the highest level.
3. Hakimi Seals the Deal for PSG
With Seattle pushing for an equalizer, PSG’s counter-attacking prowess came to the fore in the 66th minute. Substitute Bradley Barcola broke down the left, drawing in multiple defenders before sliding a low cross to Achraf Hakimi, who calmly slotted home from close range. Hakimi’s goal effectively ended Seattle’s hopes and capped a Man of the Match performance from the Moroccan international.
Hakimi’s contribution was not limited to his goal; he was instrumental at both ends of the pitch, helping PSG keep a clean sheet and secure their place in the knockout stages.
4. Sounders’ Valiant Effort Falls Short
Seattle Sounders, playing in front of their home crowd, gave a good account of themselves against one of Europe’s elite clubs. The MLS side started brightly, with Paul Rothrock almost capitalizing on a rare mistake by PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 18th minute. However, Jesús Ferreira’s follow-up effort sailed over the bar, and Seattle was ultimately unable to convert their early promise into goals.
Coach Brian Schmetzer praised his team’s start, saying, “We knew we were going to have to come out and be ready for the best league team in Europe so our guys came out into the game fired up.” Despite the defeat, Seattle can take pride in their performances against some of the world’s top teams, including PSG, Botafogo, and Atlético Madrid.
5. PSG’s Path to Club World Cup Glory
With the win, PSG finished top of Group B with six points, ahead of Botafogo on goal difference. The result, coupled with Atlético Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Botafogo, ensured PSG’s progression to the knockout rounds, where they will face the runner-up from Group A on Sunday, June 29, in Atlanta.
PSG midfielder João Neves expressed his satisfaction after the match, saying, “It’s a happy day. It feels good. We are going to Atlanta. We will try to put our idea into the game no matter what team we are playing against.” Manager Luis Enrique also acknowledged the challenges of playing on different surfaces but praised his team’s adaptability.
PSG are widely regarded as one of the strongest teams in the tournament, with oddsmakers giving them a 25% chance of lifting the trophy. Their squad depth, tactical flexibility, and star quality—led by the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Vitinha, and Hakimi—make them formidable opponents for any team.
The Bigger Picture: Club World Cup Drama
Group B was one of the most competitive groups in the tournament, featuring reigning European champions PSG, Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo, Spanish giants Atlético Madrid, and MLS hosts Seattle Sounders. Despite a three-way tie on points between PSG, Botafogo, and Atlético Madrid, PSG’s superior head-to-head goal difference saw them finish first, with Botafogo joining them in the knockout phase.
Seattle Sounders, despite finishing bottom of the group with zero points, can hold their heads high. They were not outclassed in any of their matches and came close to causing an upset on several occasions.
What’s Next for PSG and the Club World Cup?
PSG’s next challenge will be against the Group A runner-up in Atlanta, while Botafogo will face the Group A winner in Philadelphia. With the tournament now moving into the knockout rounds, the stakes are higher than ever, and PSG will be looking to continue their quest for a fifth major trophy of the season.
Final Thoughts
PSG’s 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders was a statement of intent from the French champions. Their ability to adapt to different conditions, exploit opposition mistakes, and maintain composure under pressure bodes well for their chances in the knockout stages. For Seattle, the experience of competing against the world’s best will be invaluable as they look to build on their Club World Cup journey.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on PSG to see if they can fulfill their promise and lift the Club World Cup trophy, cementing their status as one of the world’s elite clubs.
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