By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 24, 2025 00:40 AM • 101 views
ATLANTA — Paris Saint-Germain are through to the knockout rounds of the Club World Cup, finishing top of Group B after a composed 2-0 victory over hosts Seattle Sounders on Monday night. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi sealed the win for the Ligue 1 champions, who recovered well from their shock opening defeat to Botafogo. Playing at a packed Lumen Field, PSG showed flashes of their attacking prowess while absorbing early pressure from the Sounders. In a group that saw tight margins across all fixtures, PSG's ability to strike in key moments proved decisive as they advanced with six points from three matches, edging out Atletico Madrid and Botafogo.
⚽ Kvaratskhelia Breaks the Deadlock
Seattle started brightly, pushing high and pinning PSG into their defensive third in the opening stages. But despite their early energy, the Sounders lacked a cutting edge. Their best early chance came in the 8th minute when Obed Vargas volleyed wide from a second-ball situation following a corner. PSG began to find their rhythm midway through the first half and took the lead in the 35th minute. After a half-cleared corner, Vitinha fired a speculative effort from the edge of the box that deflected off Kvaratskhelia's back and wrong-footed the goalkeeper—an unorthodox finish, but enough to silence the home crowd.
⚽ Hakimi Ices the Game
As Seattle's intensity faded after halftime, PSG capitalized. Substitute Bradley Barcola, full of pace and intent, carved open Seattle's over-committed defence in the 66th minute. He drew five defenders before calmly sliding the ball across to Hakimi, who had acres of space to tuck home and double the lead.
“It's a happy day. It feels good," said Joao Neves, reflecting on the team's progression. "We are going to Atlanta ... and we'll try to impose our style no matter the opponent."
🧤 Frei's Resistance, Enrique's Praise
Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei prevented the scoreline from getting worse, notably tipping Desire Doue's curling strike over the bar in the 12th minute and later parrying Hakimi's dangerous cross away from the onrushing Neves. While Seattle ended their campaign winless, head coach Brian Schmetzer praised his team's effort. "We knew we were going to have to come out and be ready for the best team in Europe," Schmetzer said. "The players gave everything tonight." PSG manager Luis Enrique acknowledged the challenge of playing in MLS conditions. “It's not easy to play on this type of pitch. The grass and the bounce are different than in Europe," Enrique said. "But we adapted well and managed to succeed."
🏆 What's Next?
With the victory and Atletico Madrid's 1-0 win over Botafogo, PSG top Group B and will face the runners-up from Group A in Atlanta on Sunday. Botafogo, finishing third, still has a lifeline and will play the Group A winner in Philadelphia on Saturday. As for PSG, the job is far from done—but their bounce back after the Botafogo loss has signalled intent. With world-class talent, tactical flexibility, and growing cohesion, they remain one of the tournament's clear title contenders.
