PSG’s loss to Botafogo caps a week of poor results for European teams at FIFA Club World Cup, as Brazil shines

The first week of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Is almost over and after the first days of action we have already seen a number of major disturbances, especially from the major European teams. Those teams came to the United States with a lot of pressure and expectations, but also with some new faces and management changes that certainly influence their performance. Let us take a closer look at the biggest disappointments of the first week of the club World Cup.

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5. Inters debut

The Nerazzurri went through a big change after the UEFA Champions League, where they lost 5-0 to PSG. The Italian side decided to separate with former coach Simone InzaghiWHO agreed to join Saudi side Al-Hilal for around $ 50 million For two years, and decided to be appointed former 2010 Champions League winner and club legend Cristian Chivu as a new head coach. With some injuries and a new coaching cycle that is just starting, the Italian giants struggled in their opening match Monterrey and Drew 1-1 thanks to a goal from team captain Lautaro Martinez, after he has admitted the opening goal to former Real Madrid Legend Sergio Ramos. Inter will now have to win their second game of the group stage against Urawa Red Diamonds on Saturday to hope to go to the knockout phase.

4. Real Madrid’s Draw vs. Al-Hilal

The Spanish giants were also confronted with a major change prior to the club World Cup, because Real Madrid replaced former manager Carlo Ancelotti, who now coaches the Brazilian national teamand hired Former club legend Xabi Alonso. Real Madrid had a slow start against Al-Hilal, in parts thanks to some injuries and absence such as those of French Star Kylian Mbappewho was admitted to the hospital with acute gastroenteritis. Real Madrid went 1-1 against the Saudi team, which shows that there is a lot of work to be done in both defensive and attacking sectors of the team. As always, when a new manager is appointed, especially after a long cycle of the predecessor, it takes some time before the players understand and embrace the new tactical concepts.

3. Being Porto Already out?

The Portuguese team is probably one of the European teams that will be eliminated after the group stage, because the side coached by Martin Anselmi had one defeat and one draw in their first two games. After drawing the World Cup opener against Palmeiras, the European side Lost from Inter Miami In the second matchday and now they have no control over their own destination. To continue to the next phase, Porto has to win their last game against Al Ahly and then hope that Inter Miami and Palmeiras will not end in a draw and they can make the necessary goal difference.

2. Atleti’s bad start

Group B is probably one of the most exciting to look at, because we could have one big European team eliminate after the group stage. Atletico Madrid Are those who risk the most, given the will under the last match with Botafogo, as the Brazilians already succeeded Win on Thursday against PSGand Atletico won against Seattle Sounders. However, since PSG also won 4-0 in the opening match of the tournament against the Spanish side, everything will probably be decided in the match between Botafogo and the same side by Diego Simeone.

1. PSG loss for Botafogo

And let’s talk about PSG now, as the team coached by Luis Enrique are considered one of the biggest candidates to win the title. After winning 5-0 in the Champions League final against Inter, the French giants also won their debut match against Atletico Madrid, but then lost from Botafogo on Thursday, in what was so far the biggest setback of the tournament. The Luis Enrique team is confronted with Seattle in the last match of the group stage and they must be safe to play the round of 16, but the loss against Botafogo was a real and unexpected disappointment.