Introduction: PSG Bounce Back With Confident Victory
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup 2025 with a solid 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders on Monday night. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi ensured that the French champions topped Group B on goal difference, capitalizing on Botafogo’s late defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Kvaratskhelia and Hakimi Fire PSG to Victory
Playing at Lumen Field in front of 50,628 fans, PSG faced an MLS side that needed an unlikely big win combined with an Atletico Madrid defeat to progress. The visitors opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Vitinha’s shot deflected off Kvaratskhelia and found the back of the net.
Seattle pressed hard but failed to convert their chances. Their best opportunity came when PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma gifted possession to Jesus Ferreira, who couldn’t capitalize, firing wide.
In the second half, PSG doubled their lead in the 66th minute as substitute Bradley Barcola cut in from the left and set up Achraf Hakimi, who slotted home his 10th goal of the season. The result effectively ended Seattle’s Club World Cup journey.
PSG Coach Luis Enrique Satisfied But Critical of Conditions
PSG manager Luis Enrique admitted post-match that playing conditions weren’t ideal. “It wasn’t easy because the pitch was very different to what we are used to in Europe so we couldn’t play with the fluidity that we like, but we adapted,” he said, adding that the ball “bounced around like a rabbit.”
Despite the challenges, Enrique praised Seattle’s intensity and quality, stating that “it was a great match, difficult for us, tough from the beginning because Seattle played a great match, with intensity and quality on and off the ball.”
Lineup Changes and Dembele’s Continued Absence
PSG made four changes following their surprise loss to Botafogo in the previous round. Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves all returned to the starting lineup. However, star forward Ousmane Dembele remained sidelined for a third consecutive match as he continues to recover from an injury that has plagued his Club World Cup campaign.
Seattle Sounders Exit With Pride
The Seattle Sounders, 2022 CONCACAF Champions League winners, needed a major upset to advance but struggled against PSG’s superior quality. Despite their early efforts, they lacked the clinical finishing needed to trouble the European champions consistently.
Seattle coach praised his team’s effort, acknowledging that playing against top European sides like PSG provides invaluable experience for MLS clubs.
Next Round Awaits for PSG
With this win, PSG now progress to face the Group A runners-up in Atlanta on Sunday. Their journey continues as they aim to become the first European team to win the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 under its new format.
The competition has already seen major surprises, with Atletico Madrid being eliminated despite winning two games, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament’s group stages, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Conclusion: PSG Stay Focused on Trophy Ambitions
PSG’s measured but effective performance against Seattle Sounders keeps them firmly in the hunt for global club glory. While the team wasn’t at full throttle, crucial contributions from Kvaratskhelia and Hakimi demonstrated their depth and quality as they eye further progress in the Club World Cup 2025.
