Yardbarker
x

The Group B table of the Club World Cup settled with PSG and Botafogo advancing – both on six points – while Atlético Madrid and Seattle Sounders crashed out.

PSG edged the group on head-to-head goal difference, Botafogo took second spot, Atlético third, and Seattle bottom with no points.

PSG: Champions League Glory & Group Topping

Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the tournament via UEFA ranking.

In Group B, they kicked off with authority at the Rose Bowl, thumping Atlético Madrid 4-0 on June 15.

Among the goalscorers was Vitinha, who’s in Ballon d’Or conversations.

The second game saw a shock result. Botafogo stunned Paris Saint-Germain 1-0, thanks to Igor Jesus’s strike.

That loss put them on edge heading into the third and final Group stage game, but they bounced back with a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi were the pair who were on target for the Parisians.

Equal on points with Botafogo and Atlético Madrid, a +5 goal differential in head-to-head gave PSG first place.

Luis Enrique praised global competition but slammed pitch conditions, saying that “the ball bounces like a rabbit.”

The UCL champions will face a familiar name when they go against Inter Miami in the Round of 16 – Lionel Messi.

Botafogo: South American Shock & Second Spot

Brazilian Botafogo side punched their ticket into the 2025 CWC by winning the 2024 Copa Libertadores.

They opened strong, beating Seattle 2-1 in Seattle, with Igor Jesus winning the game for his side.

In their second game, they pulled off a stunner. In a disciplined 1-0 victory over European champions PSG, Jesus again, the match-winner.

Atlético Madrid handed the Brazilian club their first loss of the tournament.

Frenchman Antoine Griezmann scored late in the 1-0 game.

With two wins beforehand, Botafogo’s resilience was rewarded, advancing to the next round despite that final loss.

They will face fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras in the RO16.

Atlético Madrid: Close But Crushed by Tiebreak

Atlético Madrid qualified as a top-ranked UEFA side, representing La Liga.

Their campaign opened disastrously, with a 4-0 loss to PSG at the Rose Bowl on June 15. A red card for Clément Lenglet only added to the sting.

The Spanish side regrouped with a 3-1 win over Seattle in Seattle, with Pablo Barrios managing a brace.

Then came the finale. A 1-0 win over Botafogo on June 23 thanks to Antoine Griezmann.
But it wasn’t enough.

All three top teams ended on six points, and Atlético’s head-to-head goal difference wasn’t enough (-1), knocking them out.

Atlético Madrid’s head coach, Diego Simeone, cited fatigue and harsh heat conditions as effects on his squad.

Seattle Sounders: MLS Hope to Early Exit

Seattle Sounders earned a historic spot as 2022 CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, and hosted their Group B matches at their home stadium, Lumen Field.

The Rave Green kicked off with spirit but fell 2-1 to Botafogo on June 15.

In their second game, they lost 3-1 to Atlético Madrid. Their final match was a 2-0 defeat to PSG.

In the end, it was only zero points for the Seattle Sounders. However, they showed grit and gained experience – even if the dream ended prematurely.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!