By Mohamed Islam Bouteraa

Paris Saint-Germain sealed their knockout stages spot in the FIFA Club World Cup after a 2-0 win against the Seattle Sounders, but the encounter was far from the one-sided beating that many had expected. The French champions were made to sweat for their victory, depending on some luck and a spark of brilliance in the dying moments to overcome a stubborn Sounders side that wouldn't give up.

A Break for PSG

PSG controlled possession from the start, their luxury attack cutting Seattle's defense. For all their flair, however, the opening came in the most improbable way—just before half, Vitinha's hopeful shot took a gigantic deflection off Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, leaving Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei vulnerable as the ball crawled in. It wasn't the prettiest of goals, but PSG didn't notice—they were up.
Seattle nearly stunned the visitors with a shocker earlier when Gianluigi Donnarumma, otherwise a banker, gave the ball to Jesús Ferreira on the box. The Sounders forward had a golden chance to give his side the lead, but his rash shot flew over the bar and gave PSG a breather.

Hakimi Puts the Game to Bed

The second half also saw PSG continue their dominance, but the memory of their disappointing defeat to Botafogo last week lingered, and the Sounders continued to pressure. The tension finally broke in the 67th minute when a Seattle attack fell apart, and PSG capitalized on the counter. Substitute Bradley Barcola ran down the flank before releasing the ball to Achraf Hakimi, who slot home coolly to double the score and effectively seal the victory.

Sounders Depart with Honor

Despite defeat, Seattle never gave up. Cristian Roldan nearly gave the home fans a late moment of hope with a decent shot from distance that sailed just wide of Donnarumma's post. On the final whistle, the Sounders departed the pitch to applause—though beaten, they had struggled against one of Europe's best sides and repelled them.

For PSG, the job's done—they proceed to the next round, still dreaming of lifting the trophy. For the Sounders, the Club World Cup journey ends here, but they return home with their heads held high, proving that they are in fact a part of the international community.

Key Moments:

• 41' – PSG take the lead after huge deflection off Kvaratskhelia.
• 67' – Hakimi caps neat counter to make it 2-0.

Late drama – Roldan's rocket attempt nearly drags one in for Seattle.

PSG rolls on, however the Sounders won't be forgotten anytime soon— they made sure of that.