Seattle Sounders FC 0-2 Paris Saint-Germain | Group B
Paris Saint-Germain goals: Kvicha Kvaratskhelia (35), Achraf Hakimi (66)
Paris Saint-Germain cruised to victory past a stouthearted Seattle Sounders FC to book their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.
Goals in each half from Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi secured maximum points for the European champions, who have progressed as Group B winners ahead of second-placed Botafogo. The Brazilians lost 1-0 to Atlético de Madrid in Monday’s other fixture in the section, but still qualified ahead of Diego Simeone’s team on goal difference. Seattle exit the competition having lost all three of their fixtures.
Luis Enrique’s men controlled the game from the off, possessing the ball in Seattle’s defensive half. The game didn’t truly come alive until, against the run of play, the Sounders’ high press forced an error from Gianluigi Donnarumma. The ball fell to Sounders striker Jesus Ferreira, but the Colombian-born forward fired wide.
After that, PSG battened down the hatches. They controlled the pitch from back to front and slowly squeezed the resistance out of the valiant home side.
PSG finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute through a fortuitous deflection off Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian’s back redirected a misguided shot from Vitinha, pushing the ball past Sounders’ keeper Sebastian Frei.
After the goal, the game began to open up, with both sides looking to press for a goal before the break.
In the second half, PSG returned to the ascendancy, maintaining the ball and creating half chances in the early minutes.
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Luis Enrique reinvigorated his side, subbing on French youngsters Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery. The substitutions proved critical.
After a spell in defence, Zaire-Emery collected the ball in midfield and hit a curling ball into the path of Barcola on the left-wing. Barcola took on his defender at speed and, upon entering the box, squared the ball to an onrushing Hakimi on the far side. The Moroccan international easily slotted home to make it 2-0 for the Parisians.
Sebastian Frei did his best to keep the scoreline respectable making several key saves in the dying minutes.
PSG return to action on Sunday, 29 June when they will face the runners-up in Group A in Atlanta.
Quotes
“We’re really happy with the victory. We deserved it. After the last game against Botafogo, in which we were not very good and we lost, we had to come back stronger. We want to continue in this competition. It’s a pleasure playing with these players and this team. We help each other.”
Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint-Germain
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
