In a game that featured more slips than a toddler’s first skating lesson, Paris Saint-Germain vs Seattle Sounders FC ended with a clinical 2–0 victory for the French giants—though the real drama may have been beneath their boots.
Held at Lumen Field in front of over 50,000 fans, PSG bounced back from their earlier shock loss to Botafogo with a polished, if not explosive, performance. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi sealed the deal, pushing PSG to the top of Group B and into the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16.
But if you thought coach Luis Enrique would be all smiles—you’d be wrong.
Luis Enrique Unfiltered: “The Ball Bounced Like a Rabbit”
While praising his team’s tactical discipline, PSG boss Luis Enrique couldn’t hide his frustration with the pitch.
“The field looked nice… but the ball bounced like a rabbit. It’s not an excuse, but FIFA really needs to fix this,” Enrique told beIN SPORTS.
That’s right—Paris might’ve taken the win, but the real loser of the night was the turf. Enrique added that the poor conditions affected PSG’s signature passing rhythm and even compared it to playing basketball on a court with potholes. Ouch.
The Match: Clinical Strikes and Tactical Rotation
PSG made four changes from their previous lineup, most notably restoring Marquinhos to lead the backline. Despite missing Ousmane Dembélé for a third straight game due to injury, the French side stayed composed.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Vitinha’s long-range effort deflected off Kvaratskhelia’s back and found the net. Then in the 66th minute, Bradley Barcola stormed down the left and set up Hakimi for a cool finish, sealing PSG’s top spot.
Seattle, for their part, battled gamely. Keeper Stefan Frei produced multiple key saves, including a stunner to deny Désiré Doué, but their attack couldn’t breach the Parisian wall.
A Close Shave in Group B
While PSG’s win looked straightforward, Group B was a three-way minefield. With Atlético Madrid beating Botafogo 1–0, three teams ended with six points. PSG’s superior goal difference saw them through as group leaders, while Botafogo edged into second. Atlético, despite Griezmann’s late heroics, were heartbreakingly eliminated.
Next stop for PSG? Atlanta, where they’ll face the runner-up of Group A—possibly Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. [More on that match-up here.]
[188bet Opening Odds]
Paris Saint-Germain enters the next round as heavy favorites. According to 188bet, they’re priced at 1.55 for an outright win with a -1.25 Asian Handicap, while the over/under for total goals sits at 2.75—reflecting expectations of PSG’s offensive edge despite field issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
PSG won 2–0, with goals from Kvaratskhelia and Hakimi in each half.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi found the back of the net.
He criticized the turf, calling it unpredictable and unsuitable for top-tier football, saying the ball “bounced like a rabbit.”
Yes, PSG finished first in Group B due to superior goal difference, despite being tied on points with two other teams.
They’ll head to Atlanta for the Round of 16, where they might face Inter Miami and Messi—a spicy rematch in the making.
Seattle fought valiantly but couldn’t capitalize on chances. Despite strong goalkeeping from Frei, they exit the tournament in the group stage.
Conclusion: Smooth Win, Rough Turf – PSG March On
Paris Saint-Germain vs Seattle Sounders FC may not go down as a thriller, but it was a lesson in control, resilience, and field adaptation. With Luis Enrique’s side now shifting focus to knockout football—and possibly a Messi reunion—fans better buckle up. The real tournament starts now.
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Raj Malhotra