Luis Enrique labelled Botafogo the best defensive team Paris Saint-Germain have faced all season after his side's Club World Cup defeat.
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PSG suffered a 1-0 loss to Botafogo in Club World CupFrench club suffered their first defeat since May 3Enrique insists defeat doesn’t erase their recent successFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
PSG were handed their first loss since early May, falling 1-0 to Brazil's Botafogo at the Club World Cup. Igor Jesus scored in the 36th minute, and despite PSG dominating possession and shot count, they failed to find the net. Botafogo's compact defensive shape frustrated the European champions throughout the match.
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This loss marks the first time a South American side has beaten a European team in the tournament since Corinthians defeated Chelsea in 2012. It also snapped PSG’s streak of 19 straight matches with at least one goal. Despite this, the Ligue 1 giants remain level on points with Atletico Madrid and can still qualify for the knockout stages. The French giants came up against the likes of Inter, Arsenal and Liverpool on the journey to the European title, but the coach says Botafogo were a cut above them.
WHAT ENRIQUE SAID
After the match Enrique praised Botafogo’s unity and defensive work, saying: “Botafogo is the team that has defended best against us this season, both in the league and Champions League.”
He downplayed the loss, stating the result doesn’t erase their Champions League or domestic success: “We didn't generate as many chances as usual. We're used to playing against deep blocks, but it's very difficult. Congratulations to them. In terms of attitude, we were very good. The result shouldn't erase everything. We have to look at what we did well and what we can improve.”
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR PSG?
Les Parisiens face Seattle Sounders in their final Group B match, needing a win to ensure progression to the knockout round. Botafogo lead the group, while Atletico remain in the mix after their win over Seattle. All eyes will be on how PSG respond under pressure.
