Jesus continued his torrid run at the Club World Cup, helping his side record a massive Club World Cup upset
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Jesus scores another crucial goal for BotafogoPSG's high-flying attack silencedBotafogo now lead Group B
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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.
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The last time a UCL winner lost to a South American side came in 2012 as Corinthians stunned Chelsea in the Club World Cup final. The win also keeps the Seattle Sounders alive in the Club World Cup.
AFPTHE MVP
Igor Jesus: The Brazilian striker wasn't a household name prior to the Club World Cup, but he is delivering game after game for He's now scored against both Seattle and PSG, both wins, and defenses are struggling with his pace, athleticism, and ability to seamlessly weave past backlines. There was a tinge of luck in his finish to put Botafogo ahead, but Paiva will take it.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
PSG's attack: Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Gonçalo Ramos – it didn't matter who put against Botafogo's defense, they could not threaten. Perhaps it was fatigue or missing their lead star, Dembélé, but the team looked out of sync in the final third. They had just two shots on target.
