Seattle Sounders FC vs PSG

Botafogo Stun PSG in Shock Defeat – Group B Wide Open

Where European heavyweights like Arsenal and Inter Milan fell short, Brazilian underdogs Botafogo pulled off the unthinkable—handing PSG their first loss since lifting the Champions League trophy in June.

Luis Enrique’s side, usually so ruthless, lacked their usual sharpness in a frustrating 1-0 defeat. The winning goal came in the 36th minute, with Igor Jesus’s strike taking a cruel deflection off Willian Pacho, leaving Gianluigi Donnarumma stranded. PSG barely threatened Botafogo’s goal, managing just two shots on target—tying their lowest attacking output of the season.

The result means PSG can no longer top Group B, but thanks to their superior head-to-head record over Atlético Madrid, a single point in their final match will secure a knockout spot. However, finishing second could set up a blockbuster reunion with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the last 16—if the Argentinian’s side clinches first in Group A.

For now, though, PSG have bigger concerns. Their 19-game scoring streak is over, and with Ousmane Dembélé still sidelined by a thigh injury, their attack looked toothless. Enrique will likely recall key starters like Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, and Fabián Ruiz for their decisive clash against Seattle Sounders.

Seattle’s Slim Hopes Hang by a Thread

While PSG only need a draw to advance, the Seattle Sounders are clinging to the faintest of hopes. Their 3-1 loss to Atlético Madrid—a match dominated by Pablo Barrios’s brace—leaves them rooted to the bottom of the group with zero points.

Albert Rusnák’s clever finish briefly sparked belief, but Barrios quickly extinguished it with his second goal. Now, Seattle’s path to survival is nearly impossible: they must beat PSG, hope Botafogo shock Atlético, and outscore their rivals in a three-way tiebreaker.

Adding to their woes, the Sounders are in their worst slump in over a decade—losing four straight, including three consecutive home defeats for the first time since 2011. With Kalani Kossa-Rienzi picking up a late injury against Atlético, Alex Roldan could step in, while former Rangers winger Ryan Kent might inject some creativity into their struggling attack.

PSG’s Redemption Mission

Enrique has no room for complacency. With Atlético just behind them, PSG must go all out to secure qualification. Expect a stronger lineup, with Bradley Barcola potentially leading the attack.

For Seattle, it’s do-or-die. But with their form in freefall and PSG desperate to bounce back, the odds are stacked against them. Monday’s clash could either be a triumphant turnaround or the final nail in their coffin.