🔎 The Debrief as PSG confirm favourite status and Bayern show no mercy
The Club World Cup really kicked into gear on Sunday with four games, including a record-breaking win for Bayern Munich.
Here's what happened.
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What happened? 📝
Sunday's action kicked off in Cincinnati as Bayern Munich scored 10 (Ten) against amateur outfit Auckland City. Thomas Müller netted twice with what could be his last ever goals for the club whilst Jamal Musiala bagged a late hat-trick.
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After that it was Paris Saint-Germain's turn to impress as they hammered 10-man Atlético de Madrid 4-0 to further enhance their status as the likely favourites for this tournament.
Then it was off to New Jersey as the MetLife Stadium played host to Palmeiras and Porto. The Brazilian giants were probably the better side in this one but the game remained goalless.
Finally it was heartbreak for home side Seattle Sounders, as they lost 2-1 to Botafogo thanks to two first half headers.
Player of the day 🔥
PSG carried on where they left off in last month's Champions League final with a total demolition of Atleti in Pasadena.
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There were plenty of exceptional performances on display, but the best came from midfielder Vitinha.
The Portugal international has truly found a home with the Parisien outfit and once again looked like the best central midfielder on the planet.
Stat of the Day 📊
Bayern Munich's 10-0 annihilation of Auckland City was the largest winning margin in Club World Cup history. The biggest margin of defeat before yesterday's game was Al Hilal's 6-1 loss to Al Jazeera back in 2002.
What this means 🤔
Bayern Munich sit top of Group C with an incredibly healthy goal difference and now wait to see how Benfica and Boca Juniors get on later tonight.
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In Group B meanwhile, PSG and Botafogo are level on three points with the European champions leading on goal difference.
Palmeiras' draw with Porto means that Group A is on a knife-edge with all four teams now level on one point following Al Ahly and Inter Miami's own goalless draw on Saturday.
What they said 🗣️
📸 Dylan Buell - 2025 Getty Images
When asked whether he felt sorry for Auckland City following their 10-0 defeat, Bayern winger Michael Olise simply replied: "No".
Palmeiras winger Estevao was pleased with his side's point against Porto, telling FIFA.com: "We played a good game, with a lot of volume, passing exchanges, but lacked efficiency with our finishing. We weren't capable of scoring a goal. Now we have to improve and go for a result in the next game.'
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PSG captain Marquinhos was delighted with his side's intensity as they brushed Atleti aside: "We never know how a game will end up, especially when playing an opponent like them. Our team showed its strength. Yes, we won the Champions League, but today we showed our intensity once again. We have to be humble, continue to defend, to attack, and keep going in the same direction.'
Seattle Sounders may have lost in front of their home crowd, but head coach Brian Schmetzer was happy with his side's performance: "It was an exciting game. I'm happy for the fans and proud of the players' effort. In the first half, we gave a couple goals away but came back in the second half and made a statement. We showed we can compete. That's what we're asking: work and compete. And they did that tonight.'
What's next? 👀
There are three more games on Monday and into the night with Chelsea making their bow against MLS side LAFC.
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Then we've got a fascinating encounter between Boca Juniors and Benfica that will round of the first matches in Group B before Brazilian behemoth Flamengo take on African giants Esperance de Tunis.
📸 FREDERIC J. BROWN - AFP or licensors
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