Galaxy capture MLS Cup, Botafogo crowned Brazilian champs and CWC schedule set

Kick your Monday off with all the news from this past weekend

It was a weekend that saw the crowning of two champions (in MLS and Brazil), while Serie A saw Atalanta (which has never won a league title) take possession of first place.

The Galaxy was crowned MLS Cup winners for the first time since 2014, while Botafogo (who won the Copa Libertadores just last week) added a Brazilian league title to its trophy case, its first since 1995.

At the same time, the FIFA Club World Cup, which will be played next summer, came into clearer focus following the draw and schedule release.

Here’s what happened this past weekend:

Galaxy win a sixth MLS Cup

The Los Angeles Galaxy are back on top after a 2-1 victory over New York Red Bulls in Saturday’s MLS Cup Final at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The Galaxy got goals from Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic to win the team’s record-extending sixth MLS title, making them the most-successful franchise in league history.

Making the win more impressive was that the team was without the injured Riqui Puig. The midfielder, who ran their offense impressively all season, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the Western Conference final.

After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the match, the Galaxy’s defense was able to resist a Red Bull onslaught to raise the league trophy for the first time since 2014.

“I’m just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “We spent a lot of energy at the start, but I’m just so proud of these guys. They’ve cemented themselves as legends in this club.”

Botafogo back on top in Brazil

Copa Libertadores champion Botafogo had another big reason to celebrate on Sunday as the club owned by American businessman John Textor defeated Sao Paulo 2-1 to win its first Brazilian league title since 1995.

Botafogo won the title for the third time with 79 points in 38 matches to finish six points ahead of second-place Palmeiras.

Jefferson Savarino scored the opening goal for Botafogo in the 37th minute at the Nilton Santos Stadium, but a defensive error allowed an under-strength Sao Paulo side to equalize in the 63rd through William Gomes.

But Gregore netted the winner in stoppage time for the Rio de Janeiro-based club to help them win the title before a jubilant home crowd.

“I can’t really say I believed it,” Textor said. “When you have ambition, it doesn’t necessarily mean you know [that you will win]. It happened much before we expected. We are very excited about that.”

Club World Cup schedule released

This past Saturday also saw the release of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup schedule following last Thursday’s draw in Miami.

The expanded tournament, which will feature 32 teams, will be hosted by the U.S. from June 14 to July 13.

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egyptian side Al Ahly will play the opening match on June 14 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

MetLife Stadium will host the Club World Cup final on July 13. The venue, located just outside New York City, will also host both semifinal matches on July 8 and 9, along with one of four quarterfinal matches. In all, nine Club World Cup matches will be played at the stadium — the most of any venue.

Check out the complete schedule here.

In other news: In Sunday’s wild London derby, Chelsea conceded twice in the opening 11 minutes before recovering brilliantly for a 4-3 win at Tottenham to move four points behind leaders Liverpool. … A late goal from Ademola Lookman secured Atalanta a hard-fought 2-1 win over AC Milan on Friday, lifting the hosts to the top of Serie A. The outcome propelled Atalanta to the top of the Serie A standings with 34 points, two ahead of Napoli. … Brazil extended its kit deal with Nike by 12 years to 2038. A person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press it was worth $100 million per year, plus royalties on the sale of national team shirts which were not included in previous contracts. For the first time, the Brazilian FA will be allowed to license products and open stores worldwide.