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In a battle of the most recent winners of the UEFA Champions League and the CONMEBOL Libertadores, it was South America which shone brightest, as Botafogo stunned Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in front of a packed Rose Bowl on Thursday night in Pasadena, California.
PSG largely dominated proceedings, but without their injured star striker Ousmane Dembélé, they couldn't finish chances – when they had them. hounded the French side throughout the match, staying composed in the back and limiting spaces toward the opposition.
While dominated with 75 percent possession in the first half, it didn't amount to much in actual chances, with PSG only taking five shots in that span – one of the lowest shot totals of the season by Luis Enrique's side.
Botafogo would make PSG pay, as Igor Jesus punished them in the 36th minute. The Brazil international striker charged past two defenders on a break and launched a shot that had a slight deflection and went past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Jesus couldn't hide his emotion after the strike, running towards the stands to celebrate.
In the second half, Botafogo continued to cede possession in favor of structure and largely quieted PSG's attack. In the 79th minute, it seemed as if PSG would fight back as Bradley Barcola broke past the opposition's high line and scored on John Victor. Fortunately for the Brazilian side, the play was called back due to offside, and with it, PSG's best chance to equalize evaporated.
This was a massive result for Renato Paiva's side from both a pride perspective and their chances in the Club World Cup. If the Brazilian Serie A club beats or draws Atletico Madrid on Monday, they will win Group B. That would set them up to face the runner-up of Group A, which includes Inter Miami, Porto, Al Ahly, and Brazilian top-flight rivals Palmeiras.