PSG vs Seattle Sounders 2-0 to Finish First in Club World Cup Group B

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On Monday, 23 June, PSG vs Seattle Sounders 2-0 at Lumen Field to seal top spot in Group B and a place in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ Round of 16.

Fast Start, Sudden Silence

Seattle’s early high press rattled PSG, and a miscued Gianluigi Donnarumma pass handed Jesús Ferreira a gilt-edged chance that he dragged wide. Once PSG settled, possession became one-way traffic and the Sounders were pinned deep for long spells.

Lucky Break Before Half-time

In the 35th minute, Vitinha’s shot struck Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s back and wrong-footed Stefan Frei for 1-0. The Georgian winger celebrated anyway; his unintentional deflection changed the mood inside the stadium.

Hakimi Puts It Away

Just after the hour, Warren Zaïre-Emery released Bradley Barcola down the left; the substitute sprinted clear and squared for Achraf Hakimi to tap in from close range.

Numbers Tell the Story

PSG dominated 72.3 % possession, out-shot Seattle 15-7 (7-0 on target) and forced seven corners to six. Donnarumma was never required to make a save.

Tournament Context

The 2025 edition is the first 32-team Club World Cup, played in a World-Cup-style window across the United States. Group matches feel like mini-finals because only the top two advance. Seattle, as Concacaf’s inaugural entrants, dreamed of shocking Europe’s champions, yet found the step-up in tempo and decision-making ruthless.

Atmosphere at Lumen Field

A sell-out crowd of 50,628 mixed emerald green with visiting PSG jerseys. Drums, tifo and a pre-match rendition of “J’ai deux amours” welcomed the Parisians, while the home fans waved giant “Defend the Sound” banners. The roar after Ferreira’s early chance was deafening; the hush when Kvaratskhelia scored just as sudden.

Seattle’s Silver Linings

Despite a third straight loss, there were positives: centre-back Jackson Ragen registered a match-high eight clearances, Obed Vargas completed 90 % of his passes under pressure, and teenager Reed Baker-Whiting enjoyed a fearless cameo down the right. Coach Brian Schmetzer praised his squad’s “courage to play from the back even when it got scary.”

Deeper Stat Nuggets

PSG’s expected-goals figure of 2.12 outweighed Seattle’s 0.35, illustrating how few clear sights of goal the hosts managed. The French side also won 16 midfield duels, repeatedly snuffing out transitions before they began.

Group Picture

PSG topped Group B on goal difference ahead of Botafogo, with Atlético Madrid third and Seattle fourth. The French champions meet Inter Miami—Group A runners-up—on 29 June in Atlanta, setting up a possible reunion with Lionel Messi and his former club.

Tactical Takeaways

• Paris patience – Luis Enrique’s men mixed measured build-up with an aggressive counter-press.
• Sounders width – Schmetzer tried to stretch PSG by attacking wide channels but lacked final-third quality.
• Bench boost – Barcola’s energy produced the second goal; Seattle’s subs could not match it.

PSG vs Seattle Sounders, Stand-out Performers

• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Fortuitous goal, five successful dribbles.
• Achraf Hakimi – Relentless overlap and a tidy finish, his 10th of the season.
• Stefan Frei – Four sharp saves kept the margin respectable.

Why PSG Look Title-Ready

Beyond star power, Paris showed balance. Marquinhos and Danilo switched smoothly between back-three and back-four shapes; Zaïre-Emery—still only 19—dictated tempo; and Luis Enrique could afford to leave Ousmane Dembélé and João Neves on the bench. Depth may prove decisive as the schedule tightens.

Historical Footnote

The match marked Seattle’s first competitive meeting with a European opponent since the franchise’s founding in 2009. For PSG, it added to a growing list of victories on U.S. soil after their 2023 pre-season tour.

What’s Next

Luis Enrique cautioned, “Knockout games demand perfection,” even as his squad eye the trophy. Seattle, eliminated but wiser, return to MLS play with valuable lessons.

Final Word

The Sounders gave their fans a night to remember; PSG offered a reminder of why they are European champions: composure, depth and clinical edge beat romantic underdogs every time.

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