Luis Enrique: “Botafogo Defended Us Better Than Anyone This Season”

The first major shock of the FIFA Club World Cup came in Pasadena, where Brazil’s Botafogo stunned tournament favorites Paris Saint-Germain with a 1-0 win. As reported by TyC Sports, Luis Enrique’s men dominated possession—over 75% with 749 completed passes—but were shut down by a disciplined, resilient Botafogo side coached by Renato Paiva.

Following the loss, Luis Enrique offered no excuses. “They’re the team that defended us best all season, in both the league and the Champions League,” he admitted in the post-match press conference. While PSG had brief flashes of brilliance—particularly through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia early on—the Brazilian backline anticipated every move, disrupted passing lanes, and protected keeper John Víctor from any real danger.

The only goal came through a clinical counterattack finished by Igor Jesus, a strike that sealed the top spot in Group B for Botafogo. Paiva’s compact game plan, featuring staggered marking and smart transitions, earned high praise—even from the opposition’s bench.

Luis Enrique reflected with poise, recognizing the added pressure of facing a club like PSG. “Playing against us is extra motivation. Nobody expected this, but we specialize in overcoming adversity,” he said. Still, the Spanish manager remains cautious: “This is a very short tournament. You can get eliminated quickly. The next match against Seattle is key—just like any that might follow.”