Botafogo muffle Sounders to claim opening win
Brazilian champions Botafogo began their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup journey with a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders on Sunday evening at Lumen Field.
Goals from Jair Filho and striker Igor Jesus did the damage for Botafogo, as the Brazilians netted two first-half goals after lapses in concentration from their MLS opponents. The Sounders mounted a spirited comeback after the break and reduced the deficit from Cristian Roldan - but the Brazilians held on to secure victory.
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"First half was okay, but the second half we didn't cope with the intensity of the opponent," said Botafogo manager Renato Paiva afterwards in an interview with DAZN.
"It was not a very good game for us, but the first game in these competitions is always difficult because of the anxiety and all of that. Three points, we won… It's most important."
Botofogo's breakthrough came in the 28th minute after left-back Nouhou Tolo gave away a reckless free kick. Former Manchester United full-back Alex Telles delivered a pinpoint ball into the danger area and 20-year-old Filho met it with a thunderous finish to put his side ahead.
Just before the interval, Brazil international Jesus doubled the lead. The 24-year-old forward powered in a second header, though Sounders keeper Stefan Frei was left rooted to the spot, seemingly misjudging a shot that looked within reach.
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Seattle, outplayed in the first half, returned from the break with renewed energy and dominated large spells of the second period. But the two-goal deficit proved too much to claw back.
Midfielder Cristian Roldan, a member of the USMNT's 2022 World Cup squad, gave the home crowd hope in the 76th minute by pulling one back. However, despite sustained pressure and a series of late chances, the Sounders couldn't find an equaliser.
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