Sunday marked the beginning of full-scale action at the redesigned Club World Cup, featuring several major European teams and compelling matchups.
The day started with a significantly mismatched game: six-time UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich faced Auckland City FC, the competition`s only semi-professional side. Later, new Champions League victors Paris Saint-Germain took on Atletico Madrid. The afternoon included FC Porto against Palmeiras, the first South American team to participate in this highly anticipated tournament. The day concluded with MLS champions Seattle Sounders playing against Brazil`s Botafogo in a crucial Group B match, a group also containing PSG and Atletico.
PSG Continue to Impress as Europe`s Top Team
Despite the absence of Ousmane Dembele, PSG comfortably defeated Atletico Madrid 4-0. Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring, followed by three more goals from different players. It was a difficult match for Atletico, marked by Clement Lenglet`s red card and conceding a penalty in added time, which could impact goal difference tiebreakers. PSG dominated possession with 74% and had 11 shots on target out of 16 attempts. Atletico managed only one shot on target, with their only goal disallowed due to a foul. This dominant win puts PSG in a strong position in their group, leaving Atletico needing a win against the Seattle Sounders on Thursday.
Bayern Munich Decimate Amateur Auckland Side as Expected
Bayern Munich achieved a record-breaking 10-0 victory over amateur side Auckland City FC in their Club World Cup opener. Four Bayern players scored multiple goals, with Jamal Musiala netting a hat-trick. Both the final score and goal difference set new records for the competition. Bayern`s statistical dominance was overwhelming: 31 shots to Auckland`s one, 17 shots on target to one, 72% possession, and significantly more completed passes. The Auckland City players, many holding regular jobs, found it impossible to compete with the Bavarian giants, who set a strong precedent for their group which includes Benfica and Boca Juniors.
Palmeiras and Porto Play Out a Goalless Draw
The match between Brazil`s Palmeiras and Portugal`s Porto ended 0-0, despite a combined 28 shots and high expected goals. This result was particularly disappointing for Palmeiras` young striker Vitor Roque, 20, who is looking to attract attention from European clubs. He failed to register a single shot in 77 minutes, though he did create one significant chance for a teammate. To secure a major European move, Roque will need to make a greater impact.
Botafogo Secure Opening Win Against Seattle Sounders
South American champions Botafogo started their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over MLS side Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field in Group B. Botafogo took a two-goal lead in the first half with goals from Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus. Seattle responded in the second half with a deflected shot from Cristian Roldan. However, Botafogo goalkeeper John delivered an excellent performance, making a crucial save in added time to prevent Seattle from equalizing, securing the first win for the Brazilian side.
Sunday Club World Cup Scores
- Bayern Munich 10, Auckland City 0
- Paris Saint-Germain 4, Atletico Madrid 0
- Palmeiras 0, Porto 0
- Botafogo 2, Seattle Sounders 1
Monday`s Schedule
- Chelsea vs. LAFC
- Boca Juniors vs. Benfica
- Flamengo vs. Esperance de Tunis
