PSG cruise over Atletico, Bayern thrash Auckland at Club World Cup
PSG too good for Atleti Paris Saint-Germain's Vitinha celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during their Club World Cup 2025 Group B football match against Atletico de Madrid at the Rose Bowl stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday. Photo: Yuri Cortez/AFP
Image: Yuri Cortez/AFP
Paris Saint-Germain laid down an ominous marker on their march towards global domination at the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday as Bayern Munich showed no mercy to Auckland's amateurs with a ruthless 10-0 walloping.
The first full day of action at the inaugural edition of the 32-team club tournament saw newly crowned European champions PSG produce a scintillating 4-0 rout of Atletico Madrid after Bayern's double-digit drubbing of Auckland City.
The New Zealand minnows are one of the Cinderella stories of the tournament, made up of amateur players who had to take unpaid leave to travel to the United States.
But Bundesliga Bayern were in no mood to be charitable and duly ran riot in Cincinnati.
Get your news on the go, click
here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad loading
Jamal Musiala scored a second-half hat-trick after coming off the bench while Kingsley Coman, Michael Olise and Thomas Mueller all netted twice.
Sacha Boey scored the other goal in a Group C game that amounted to target practice for Bayern, who will face tougher tests against Boca Juniors and Benfica.
"We have to remain modest but it was important to be able to say that we took the game seriously," said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany.
"It was a good first match at the tournament, but of course challenges are going to grow and it's going to become more difficult."
Auckland's interim coach Ivan Vicelich admitted that his team had run into the "reality of football against one of the world's top teams."
"It is a dream for players coming from an amateur level to play in this environment," Vicelich said.
"We knew it was going to be a very difficult game, playing against one of the top teams in the world, potentially one of the favourites for the Club World Cup, so we are just really proud of the players' efforts."
'Hungry' PSG rout Atleti
While Bayern were left satisfied with a clinical opening, PSG delivered a statement win over Atleti in front of an 80,619 crowd at a sun-baked Pasadena Rose Bowl -- the venue for the 1994 World Cup final.
The French champions shrugged off searing heat -- temperatures reached 31 degrees Celsius (88 Fahrenheit) shortly after the midday kick-off -- to produce the kind of adventurous, attacking display which became their calling card en route to their dazzling Champions League triumph earlier this month.
Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha gave PSG a 2-0 lead by half-time before Senny Mayulu and Lee Kang-in sealed an impressive Group B win with late goals against an Atleti team who struggled to cope with the French side's multi-faceted attacking play.
PSG are bidding to crown a superb season which saw them win four trophies at home and in Europe.
On Sunday's evidence, few would bet against Luis Enrique's side from being crowned world champions.
"We had the objective of making history this season, but this is a new chapter," Luis Enrique said in his post-match news conference.
"It's a nice challenge for the players and the team, to want to keep winning.
"The club is hungry, the fans are hungry, the players and the team are hungry, and that's a good feeling. We have the same objective as in other competitions, which is to go as far as possible and try to win it."
Atletico manager Diego Simeone refused to cite the heat as a factor in his team's defeat.
"We both played in the same weather conditions," Simeone said. "They played much better than we did. They have amazing players and that's why they've just won everything."
Brazilian champions Botafogo hung on for a 2-1 win at a determined Seattle Sounders.
The Copa Libertadores holders took the lead in the 28th minute when Jair Cunha rose superbly to head in a cross curled in at pace by Alex Telles.
Igor Jesus doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time with a bullet header.
It was a different story after the break.
The Sounders dominated possession and put Botafogo's defence under intense pressure, pulling a goal back through a deflected Cristian Roldan header.
Seattle pushed forward in search of the equaliser but some desperate defending and fine goalkeeping from John saw the Brazilian club over the line.
Palmeiras drew 0-0 with Portuguese giants Porto in Group A at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
AFP
Get your news on the go, click
here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns aim to break their Asian jinx against Ulsan at the FIFA Club World Cup
Teboho Mokoena WITH his international experience representing Bafana Bafana Mamelodi Sundowns' star midfielder Teboho Mokoena will be a key player at the FIFA Club World Cup in Florida, USA. | AFP On Wednesday, Mamelodi Sundowns will embark on their much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup journey, taking on South Korean heavyweights Ulsan Hyundai at the Exploria Stadium in Florida. As a dominant force in African football, Sundowns carry high hopes for this prestigious tournament. Their impressive track record in recent years displayed not only their skill on the ball but also the class in their squad. With a blend of experienced players and promising talent, the team is well-equipped to cope with the Asian challenge. This clash (starting Tuesday, 6pm, local USA time) marks Sundowns' second appearance at the global showcase. In 2016, they suffered first-round defeats against Kashima Antlers and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Japan. This year, however, Sundowns are determined to turn the tide in their favour. Having recently clinched their eighth successive Betway Premiership title, Sundowns head into the tournament with a mix of motivation and urgency. Following a heartbreak in the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids, the team is eager to make a strong impression and shake off the disappointment. Leading the charge for Sundowns will be Brazilian Lucas Ribeiro, who has established himself as the standout player of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), clinching the Golden Boot with 16 goals and providing 13 assists last season. His previous European experience makes him a key player to watch; a stellar performance could see him attract attention from larger clubs looking to secure top talent. Alongside Ribeiro is the versatile Teboho Mokoena, whose leadership in midfield is invaluable to Sundowns' success. Mokoena brings not only a calming presence but also a tactical intelligence that allows him to dictate the pace of the game. His aptitude for set pieces has been proven time and again, making him another player who will be in the scouts' sights throughout the tournament. Both players have demonstrated exceptional form and could prove to be instrumental in breaking down Ulsan's defence. Sundowns' ability to transition quickly from defence to attack positions them as a potent threat that the Korean side must prepare for. Ulsan HD, also eager to make their mark, face Sundowns with their ambitions. After a mixed domestic run, the pressure is on the South Korean giants to perform on the global stage, especially since their last appearance in the Club World Cup back in the 2020-21 season culminated in a disappointing outing. They have struggled lately and are without a clean sheet in their last four games, managing one in seven matches. This statistic may play an essential role in determining the eventual outcome. The match-up marks a long-awaited return to the global stage after they participated in the Club World Cup in the 2020-21 season when they were winless. Now, Ulsan will look to shake off a series of mixed domestic results, and the pressure is on to rediscover their winning form. It will be the first encounter between the two teams. Ulsan will be looking to make history against African opposition, while Sundowns are eager to rewrite their narrative from past encounters against Asian teams. Given the closely matched nature of both squads, the outcome could very well hinge upon moments of individual brilliance, with Sundowns hoping to regain their winning momentum.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs target Mamelodi Sundowns outcast
Kaizer Chiefs look set to reignite their pursuit of Mamelodi Sundowns defender Terrence Mashego, after his glaring omission from the Brazilians' squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States raised eyebrows. Mashego, who left Cape Town City in 2022 to join Sundowns, endured a deeply disappointing 2024/2025 campaign. He managed only five appearances in the Betway Premiership, falling behind Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, and rising star Asekho Tiwani in the left-back hierarchy. With limited opportunities and his Club World Cup exclusion highlighting his marginalised role, the 28-year-old Bafana Bafana international appears increasingly open to a move. A source confirmed. 'Mashego wants regular football again and the Club World Cup omission shows he's not in Cardoso's plans.' Kaizer Chiefs have identified the left side of defence as a key area to strengthen. Mashego, a former AFCON bronze medallist with South Africa, has reportedly emerged as one of their top targets. Chiefs previously explored a deal in the last transfer window but failed to secure his services, with Sundowns choosing to retain the Mamelodi-born fullback. However, the timing now seems ideal. With Chiefs pushing to rebuild under their new technical team and Mashego desperate to revitalise his career, the potential transfer could benefit both the player and the Soweto giants. Although Mashego remains contracted to Sundowns for another season, his future appears uncertain. A move to Naturena would give him a fresh start, while Chiefs would gain a seasoned domestic campaigner with both international and continental experience. 'Mashego is eager to regain his place in the national team setup,' a source added, signalling the player's readiness for a new chapter. Will Mashego push for a move to Kaizer Chiefs? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
3 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
‘I always knew I would make the squad': Maema savours US ‘adventure' for Sundowns
Neo Maema says he always knew he would make Mamelodi Sundowns' squad for Fifa Club World Cup even after a difficult 2024-25 season because he was among the players that helped the Brazilians qualify. Sundowns open their Group F campaign against South Korea's Ulsan HD at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday night (6pm Orlando time, midnight in South Africa) in Fifa's newly-expanded 32-team Club World Cup. The Pretoria club had something of an awakening at their only other participation in the old seven-team format in Osaka in 2016, being dismantled 2-0 by host Japanese club Kashima Antlers and 4-1 by Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The new format, rather than watering the standard down, will make for a tougher competition for sides from outside Europe and South America given the presence of most of the world's biggest clubs. Downs' next two assignments after the Ulsan clash are intimidating fixtures against Borussia Dortmund at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio on Saturday (6pm SA time) and Brazilian outfit Fluminense at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on June 25 (9pm).
