The FIFA Club World Cup is finally underway. Group A and B have completed their first group stage matches and Group C has just begun.
Here’s everything you need to catch up on the opening weekend:
Al Ahly FC vs Inter Miami: 0-0
Leo Messi and Inter Miami would open up the FIFA Club World Cup against the Egyptian giants, Al Ahly FC.
Where on Earth would Inter Miami be without Oscar Ustari? The goalkeeper came up with numerous big saves in the first half to keep it scoreless.
In the 43rd minute, he would make the biggest save of the game – Ustari would deny Al Ahly forward and Egyptian National Team Star Trézéguet from the penalty spot.
The Inter Miami Goalkeeper would have a whopping, six saves in the first half!
That wasn’t the only big save of the first half. Wessam Abou Ali cleared a shot off the line that would have given Inter Miami the opening goal.
Although the game ended scoreless, the opening act provided plenty of action with heroics playing a key role for both sides.
Palmeiras vs FC Porto: 0-0
In the final match of Group A, both Palmeiras and FC Porto wanted a win to take control of the group.
In first half stoppage time, Porto’s Cláudio Ramos came up with a double save from point-blank range to deny Palmeiras, and defender Francisco Moura followed it up with a goal line clearance. The combined “triple save” was absolutely crucial and gave the club a much-needed point.
In two group stage matches, Group A provided no goals.
Now all four teams have a single point and it’s still up for grabs. Which clubs will advance to the knockout stages?
PSG vs Atlético Madrid: 4-0
At the iconic Rose Bowl, Paris Saint-Germain took on Atlético Madrid in front of 80,619 fans with both European powerhouses looking to take control of the Group B.
The newly crowned UEFA Champions League winners continued right where they left off and thrashed Atlético 4-0. Fabián Ruiz and Vitinha each tallied a goal in the first half while Senny Mayulu and Lee Kang-in returned the favor in the second half.
To make matters even worse, Clement Lenglet who just signed a three-year contract with Atlético Madrid, was sent off with his second yellow card in the 78th minute.
Luis Enrique’s side look invincible at the moment and have to be the favorites to bring home this title.
Botafogo vs Seattle Sounders FC: 2-1
In a must-win match for both teams, the Seattle Sounders hosted Botafogo at Lumen Field with over 30,000 fans in attendance.
Unfortunately for Seattle, their first half mistakes cost them. The visitors got a pair of first half goals from Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus.
Although the Sounders would cut the lead down thanks to a Cristian Roldan goal in the late in the second half, they could not find the equalizer.
In the final minute of the match, Botafogo placed a wall in front of goal and refused to give the home side a point from the match.
Rusnák’s effort would be cleared off the line and the follow up by Pedro de la Vega would be collected into the arms of Botafogo’s goalkeeper, John.
FC Bayern vs Auckland City: 10-0
The tournament’s first goal was scored by Kingsley Coman, en route to a terrifying display of dominance from the Bundesliga giants.
Auckland City came into the tournament as the only amateur side and unfortunately the talent differentia was clear from the jump.
In the 61st minute, Jamal Musiala subbed on for Harry Kane. In just 23 minutes, he would record a hat trick with goals in the 67th, 73rd, and 84th minute.
FC Bayern set the record for most goals scored in a match and biggest margin of victory. The German heavyweights will be ones to look out for the rest of the way.