Botafogo Survive Late Scare to Edge Past Seattle in Club World Cup Opener
The opening round of Club World Cup 2025 Group B action saw early frontrunners emerge — with Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo claiming crucial wins. For the Brazilian champions, however, it was far from smooth sailing as they narrowly defeated a spirited Seattle Sounders side, almost squandering a two-goal lead.
Botafogo controlled most of the first half with disciplined possession and sharp finishing. Their efficiency paid off with two well-crafted goals. The opener came from a set piece, with defender Jair Cunha powering home a header. Just before the break, forward Igor Jesus doubled the advantage, coolly slotting in a pinpoint cross from Vitinho on the right flank.
But after the interval, the momentum shifted dramatically. Seattle came out with renewed energy and spent most of the second half pressing deep into Botafogo’s half, winning over neutral fans with their aggressive intent and high tempo. Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Cristian Roldan dove in with a spectacular header — the third headed goal of the match — after a deflection off Igor Jesus wrong-footed the goalkeeper and found the net.
The MLS side pushed relentlessly for an equalizer in the closing stages. In stoppage time, they came agonizingly close, forcing a dramatic save from Botafogo’s keeper to preserve the result. It was a nervy ending for the Brazilians, who had clearly lost their grip in the second half.
Next up, Botafogo face PSG in what could be a decisive clash for top spot in Group B. Meanwhile, Seattle Sounders and Atlético Madrid are now locked in a must-win battle — with no room left for error.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Botafogo - Seattle Sounders 2:1 (2:0)
Goals: Jair Cunha, 28 (1:0); Igor Jesus, 44 (2:0); Roldan, 75 (2:1)
Botafogo: John Victor; Vitinho; Telles (Cuiabano, 69); Barboza Al.; Jair Cunha; Marlon Freitas (Danilo Barbosa, 86); Gregore; Savarino (Cabral, 69); Artur; Mastriani (Correa J., 46); Igor Jesus (Rodríguez S., 86)
Bench: Raul; Linck L.; Ponte; Marçal; David Ricardo; Kaio; Newton; Allan; Montoro; Rwan Cruz
Yellow Cards: Barboza Al. 60; Correa J. 64
Seattle Sounders: Frei; Tolo (Baker-Whiting, 46); Roldán; Kim Kee-hee (Bell J., 46); Ragen; Roldan; Rusnák; Vargas Ob.; Kent R. (Rothrock, 71); Ferreira J. (De la Vega, 71); Musovski (De Rosario, 84)
Bench: Thomas; Castro; Sousa Tr.; Gómez Andrade; Baker; Kossa-Rienzi; Leyva; João Paulo; Minoungou; Morris J-n
Yellow Cards: Tolo 27; Ragen 87
