Rio de Janeiro’s Botafogo Stuns Paris St-Germain, 1-0, at Rose Bowl

A bold and disciplined Botafogo team stunned a frustrated Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG) club, 1-0, Thursday night at the Rose Bowl, delivering a jolt to the FIFA Club World Cup group stage and delighting a massive contingent of Brazilian fans in Pasadena, who roared and sang in the stadium’s south end.

The lone goal came in the 36th minute when Igor Jesus broke through PSG’s high line, receiving a perfectly timed through ball from Jefferson Savarino. His shot bounced once and nestled into the bottom left corner of the net after taking a deflection off PSG defender Willian Pacho, leaving Gianluigi Donnarumma flatfooted and sending the black-and-white faithful into rapture.

It was a night of frustration for PSG, who dominated ball possession but looked disconnected in the final third. With numerous opportunities, they were unable to connect.

Star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and midfielder Vitinha found few openings against a compact Botafogo defense, anchored by a tireless midfield trio and marshaled expertly by veteran Allan. Despite 16 PSG total shots, only two seriously tested Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor.

“We came here with a plan,” Botafogo coach Renato Paiva said post-match. “We knew PSG would control the ball, but our players showed discipline, heart, and intelligence. This is what Brazilian football is about.”

PSG appeared to have found an equalizer in the 79th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside, putting the PSG fans back in their seats. That was as close as they came. Even with late substitutes pushing for a draw, Botafogo’s lines held firm.

The victory moves Botafogo to six points atop Group B, with wins over both Seattle Sounders and now PSG. Paris, who routed Atlético Madrid, 4-0, in their opener, remain on three points with one game remaining against Seattle on Monday. Botafogo will face Atlético in the final group stage match.

The crowd of 53,699 leaned heavily pro-Brazilian, with a festive and loud presence that often drowned out the outnumbered PSG fans. The win was also Botafogo’s biggest international result in decades, while for PSG, it’s back to the drawing board — and fast. Another slip could mean an early exit for one of Europe’s most star-studded squads.

“This tournament doesn’t allow for mistakes,” said PSG captain Marquinhos. “Now we have to respond.”