Brazil’s Botafogo withstood waves of attacks from Paris St Germain to stun the European champions 1-0 on Thursday and throw Group B at the Club World Cup wide open.
PSG dominated possession at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena but Botafogo’s resolute defence stood tall in the first competitive meeting between the two clubs.
The goal came in the 36th minute when Botafogo gained possession in midfield and Jefferson Savarino slid a pass through for Igor Jesus to run in on goal.
Jesus outmaneuvered two defenders and his shot deflected off the leg of PSG’s Willian Pacho, the ball changing direction and leaving goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma flatfooted and only able to watch as the ball skipped into the net.
Jesus celebrated by hopping over the barrier and was mobbed by delirious Botafogo fans.
PSG continued to be the aggressors in the second half as Botafogo were content to protect their lead and try to capitalize on the break.
PSG, who had scored 19 goals in their last five matches, had the ball in the net in the 79th minute but the goal was chalked off for offside and Botafogo held for the shock win.
The Brazilians became the first team to stop PSG scoring since March when Liverpool defeated them 1-0 in the Champions League. The French side had scored in 19 consecutive games until losing on Thursday.
Botafogo coach Renato Paiva said his team had beaten PSG at their own game.
Reuters/Adukwu William, Lagos