Paris Saint-Germain came to the Club World Cup with a point to prove. PSG was set for an international championship this season after years of European history. After defeating Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their opening game, they were feeling confident. That was until a few days later, when they succumbed to Brazil’s Botafogo, 1-0.

Now, to some, this isn’t the most prestigious tournament; however, PSG knows after a quick turnaround during the season that with the new format in place, every single game matters, and every team faces the same challenge today.

A Flying Start: PSG Crush Atletico

PSG’s opening leg almost went according to plan. Defeating Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Rose Bowl meant that PSG was in control, on a mission, and well-staffed and lined up. There was no shortage of motivation to win; the team lost in elimination from the Champions League last season to Atletico.

From the first whistle, it was one-way traffic. PSG held 82.2% possession in the first 15 minutes. Fabian Ruiz struck first in the 18th, finishing off a smart pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Before halftime, Vitinha made it 2-0, again with Kvaratskhelia as the provider.

Luis Enrique’s squad didn’t let up. Senny Mayulu added a third off the bench and Lee Kang-in sealed the rout with a stoppage-time penalty. PSG completed 818 passes to Atletico’s 276, ending with 92.7% pass accuracy. Atletico had one shot on goal the entire game.

Kvaratskhelia led the charge from the front, Ruiz and Vitinha controlled the midfield with safe plays left and right, and Mendes was quiet, but effective defensively. Every player shined. Coach Enrique knew how to sub in his bench to keep morale high and showcase card depth.

It wasn’t just a win. It was a message.

A Sudden Reality Check: Botafogo Stun PSG

Then came the twist. PSG’s next match, against Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo, was supposed to build on that momentum. Instead, it handed them a reality check.

The only goal came early. Igor Jesus slipped between PSG center-backs Pacho and Beraldo, latching onto a clever through ball from Marlon Freitas. His low shot deflected off Pacho and wrong-footed Donnarumma.

PSG responded after the break. Gonçalo Ramos nearly equalized with a header, but Botafogo keeper John made a brilliant reflex save. Enrique brought on Mendes, Barcola, Neves, and Ruiz to turn things around, but Botafogo held firm.

Despite 66% possession and more shots, PSG lacked sharpness. Ramos missed a key chance from a low cross by Doué. Defensively, the backline looked disconnected—especially on the goal. Pacho and Beraldo were out of sync at the wrong moment.

It was PSG’s first loss to non-European opposition in the tournament, and it stung.

A Tournament Wide Open

PSG’s loss wasn’t the only shock of the day. Earlier, Porto had fallen to Inter Miami. Suddenly, a tournament once expected to showcase European dominance had flipped. Four of the eight groups are now led by South American teams. In eight intercontinental matchups so far, South American clubs have five wins and three draws. No losses.

It helps that the South American sides are mid-season while the European clubs are shaking off offseason rust. But more than that, teams like Botafogo are well-organized, mentally sharp, and taking their chances.

What’s Next for PSG?

Enrique will be questioned for his lineup choices. With Dembélé injured, he started Ramos up front and a young midfield including Mayulu and Zaire-Emery. The gamble didn’t pay off. His second-half changes improved things, but the damage was done.

PSG still has the talent and depth to recover. The Atletico match showed their ceiling. The Botafogo result exposed their floor. Somewhere between those two lies the version of PSG that could go deep into this tournament—but only if they learn quickly.

As Enrique said after the Atletico win: “A new chapter starts now.” The first page looked like a dream. The second came with a hard reality check.