🔬 The Debrief as Messi sets up PSG reunion and Atleti exit Club World Cup

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3 hours ago

🔬 The Debrief as Messi sets up PSG reunion and Atleti exit Club World Cup
The new week of Club World Cup action started with a bang amid thrilling draws and exciting last 16 ties being set up.
Here's what went down.
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What happened? 📝
Fifteen goals across the four fixtures shows the chaos that Monday produced to kickstart the week.
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PSG ran out routine winners against Seattle Sounders with a 2-0 victory and although Antoine Griezmann scored a late winner against Botafogo with the only goal of the game, it wasn't enough to prevent Atlético de Madrid exiting at the group phase.
Although Inter Miami let a 2-0 lead slip with 10 minutes remaining to draw 2-2 against Palmeiras, it didn't stop both sides qualifying for the last 16 - where Lionel Messi is set for a tantalising reunion with former employers PSG.
Finally, despite both Porto and Al Ahly exiting the tournament prematurely, they bowed out in spectacular fashion by playing out a dramatic 4-4 draw.
Player of the Day 🔥
Wessam Abou Ali made quite a bit of impressive history with his hat-trick for Al Ahly against Porto.
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Since intercontinental club competitions began in 1960, it was the first perfect hat-trick of any description in any format of such tournaments, with the Palestine international netting with both feet and a header.
He is also only the second player ever in competition history to score three times in a single game against European opposition - the other being the legendary Pelé.
Stat of the Day 📊
Lionel Messi never turns up at tournaments to exit early.
What this means 🤔
Groups A and B have now concluded and we have our first set of knockout fixtures.
PSG's reward for topping their group is a meeting with Messi and co. when they face Inter Miami, while there is also the prospect of an all-Brazilian affair in the last 16 when Palmeiras take on Botafogo.
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Porto, Al Ahly, Atlético de Madrid and Seattle Sounders all exit.
What they said 🗣️
"Before the tournament started, we were the underdog, the worst team but with hard work, determination and playing good football, we have deserved to qualify. Say what you want but we're among the best teams in the world now." Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami
"Facing Messi will be amazing because we already enjoyed two years together having the greatest player in the world. But I hope we win because he has already won so many awards!" Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG
"Getting six points in the group wasn't bad but we were doomed by the game against PSG where every decision hurt us. We gave absolutely everything. We won two games out of three but sadly, we're out." Diego Simeone, Atlético de Madrid
What's next? 👀
Bayern Munich have already qualified and if Benfica can avoid defeat against them in their meeting, they will be assured of joining the German champions in the next round.
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Boca Juniors have a chance of joining them if Bayern do them a favour and they can rack up the goals against Auckland City, who have shipped 16 in their two games to date.
Top then plays bottom in Group D with Flamengo facing LAFC, while Chelsea and Espérance de Tunis meet in a direct duel for qualification.
📸 PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA - AFP or licensors