After a shock 1-0 defeat to Brazil’s Botafogo in their last outing, PSG haven’t secured qualification just yet. Meanwhile, the Sounders are still chasing their first point of the tournament.
Botafogo's win was unexpected, not just because of the result but because it ended PSG's unbeaten run since they were crowned European champions on June 19. It took a bit of luck too. Igor Jesus’s first-half strike deflected off Willian Pacho, wrong-footing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. But even with that caveat, PSG looked unusually flat and toothless.
In fact, Botafogo's keeper John Victor only had to make two saves all game. That ties him for the fewest saves made against PSG all season. The only other keeper to face so little pressure was Arsenal’s David Raya back in October.
The loss means PSG can no longer finish top of Group B. However, thanks to a better head-to-head record against Atletico Madrid, they’ll go through if they match or better Atletico’s result against Botafogo.
Finishing second in the group could set up a reunion with none other than Lionel Messi if his Inter Miami side finish first in Group A. But before any of that, PSG need to address the issues from last week, not least their first scoreless outing in 19 matches.
As for Seattle, the path to the knockouts is incredibly narrow. They would need to beat PSG, hope Botafogo also beat Atletico, and then outscore both teams in head-to-head goal difference if all three end up tied on three points.
Over 50,000 fans filled Lumen Field for Seattle’s last match against Atletico, but it was the Spaniards who put on the show. Pablo Barrios netted twice, and Axel Witsel added another in a 3-1 win. Albert Rusnak gave the Sounders brief hope, but it was quickly snuffed out by Barrios’s second goal.
Now sitting bottom of the group with zero points and in the middle of a four-game losing streak, including three straight home losses for the first time since 2011, Seattle face an uphill battle.
It’s not quite mission impossible for the Sounders, but it’s definitely mission improbable.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
PSG’s struggles in front of goal against Botafogo may have had something to do with the absence of Ousmane Dembélé. The Ballon d’Or contender is still sidelined with a thigh injury, and the club may choose to hold him back in hopes he’ll be fit for the knockout stage if they make it that far.Despite Dembélé’s absence, Luis Enrique still has plenty of options at his disposal. With Atletico Madrid close behind in the group standings, the PSG boss is expected to name a strong starting lineup on Monday to leave nothing to chance.
That likely means returns for key players like Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz. Bradley Barcola could also be brought in to add fresh legs and a spark up front, possibly as a central attacking option.
As for Seattle, things went from bad to worse in their defeat to Atletico. Kalani Kossa-Rienzi had to come off with an injury late in the match, and his status remains unclear. In his absence, Alex Roldan is expected to slot back into the starting lineup.
Paul Arriola remains a long-term absentee due to an ACL injury, but otherwise the Sounders are relatively healthy. One possible change up front could be the inclusion of Ryan Kent, the former Rangers winger who has provided a team-high three assists in MLS play this season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Seattle Sounders possible starting lineup:Frei; A. Roldan, Bell, Kim, Nouhou; Vargas, C. Roldan; De la Vega, Rusnak, Kent; Ferreira
PSG possible starting lineup:
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Lee, Barcola, Kvaratskhelia
EXPERT PREDICTION
Seattle 1-5 PSG
Both teams are likely to throw caution to the wind in what could be a winner-takes-all showdown, and PSG should have little trouble finding their attacking rhythm again when it matters most.
The Sounders have been struggling both in MLS and on the international stage, and their defensive issues continue to pile up. They’ve conceded at least two goals in four straight matches, and that trend doesn’t bode well against a PSG side eager to bounce back. Expect the European champions to take full advantage and book their place in the next round with confidence.
