Atletico ELIMINATED Despite Beating Botafogo | FIFA Club Worlds Cup Highlights
Atletico Madrid vs Botafogo
In a tense and hard-fought encounter at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Atlético Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Botafogo in Group B of the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday, thanks to a late strike from Antoine Griezmann in the 87th minute. The French forward’s left-footed effort, which came after relentless pressure from the Spanish side, finally broke the deadlock in a match characterized by missed opportunities and stout defending from both teams. However, despite the win, Atlético Madrid’s hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds were dashed, as they needed a victory by at least three goals to leapfrog Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo in the group standings. PSG’s simultaneous 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders ensured that the Ligue 1 champions and Botafogo, who had earlier stunned PSG, claimed the top two spots in Group B. The match was a testament to Atlético’s persistence but also a stark reminder of the fine margins that define success in high-stakes tournaments like the Club World Cup, leaving the Spanish side to reflect on what might have been.
The game began with both teams displaying cautious yet purposeful intent, aware that the outcome would determine their fate in the tournament. Botafogo, riding the high of their earlier victory over PSG, looked to assert themselves early and nearly struck gold in the 10th minute. A well-executed through ball from midfield found Jefferson Savarino in a dangerous position, as the striker broke free and charged toward goal. Atlético’s goalkeeper, Jan Oblak, was equal to the task, stretching to make a crucial deflection that prevented Botafogo from taking an early lead. The save was a pivotal moment, as it kept Atlético in the game during a period when Botafogo’s confidence was palpable. The Brazilian side’s fans, who had traveled in numbers to Pasadena, roared their approval, sensing an opportunity to cement their team’s place in the knockout rounds. For Atlético, the early scare was a wake-up call, and they responded by tightening their defensive shape under the guidance of manager Diego Simeone, whose tactical acumen has long been a hallmark of the club’s identity.
As the first half progressed, Atlético began to find their rhythm, with their high-pressing style and disciplined structure putting Botafogo’s defense under pressure. Just before the halftime whistle, the Spaniards came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock. Julián Álvarez, the Argentine forward, received an incisive entry pass just outside the penalty area, turned sharply, and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot. The effort had Botafogo’s goalkeeper, John, beaten, but the ball curled just wide of the left post, leaving the scoreline unchanged. The miss was emblematic of Atlético’s first-half performance: full of promise but lacking the clinical edge needed to convert their dominance into goals. The teams went into the break level at 0-0, with Atlético holding the edge in possession and shots but unable to find the breakthrough. For Botafogo, the first half was a testament to their resilience, as they weathered Atlético’s pressure while remaining dangerous on the counter.
The second half saw Atlético intensify their efforts, knowing that time was running out to secure the margin of victory they needed to advance. Early in the half, Griezmann showcased his class, collecting a lofted ball down the left flank and outpacing his marker to reach the goal line. With a deft touch, he attempted to sneak a left-footed shot past John at the near post, but the ball struck the woodwork and bounced out of play, leaving Atlético’s players and fans groaning in frustration. The moment encapsulated the fine margins of the match, as Atlético’s relentless attacking play was repeatedly thwarted by a combination of Botafogo’s resolute defending and their own lack of precision in the final third. Griezmann, who had been relatively quiet for much of the game, was visibly determined to make an impact, and his persistence would eventually pay dividends. Meanwhile, Botafogo remained a threat on the break, with their quick transitions and direct style keeping Atlético’s defense on edge.
In the 67th minute, Botafogo launched a rare but dangerous offensive move. Cuiabano delivered a precise cross into the box, where Igor Jesus met the ball with a powerful one-timed volley. The shot seemed destined for the net, but Oblak, ever reliable, reacted instinctively to punch the ball away, preserving Atlético’s clean sheet. The Slovenian goalkeeper’s performance was a cornerstone of Atlético’s effort, as his three saves throughout the match ensured that Botafogo’s opportunities were kept to a minimum. Oblak’s heroics were particularly crucial given Atlético’s high defensive line, which left them vulnerable to Botafogo’s counter-attacks. The Brazilian side, despite being outshot 23-7 overall and 5-3 on target, showed remarkable discipline and organization, with John’s four saves proving vital in keeping the scoreline tight for much of the match.
The turning point came in the 87th minute, when Atlético’s persistence finally bore fruit. Ángel Correa, who had been a constant menace, drove forward and unleashed a shot that was blocked by a Botafogo defender. The ball fell kindly to Griezmann, who seized the moment with a composed left-footed strike that found the back of the net, sending the Atlético faithful into raptures. The goal was a reward for their second-half dominance, as they had peppered Botafogo’s goal with 23 shots, five of which were on target. However, the late timing of the goal left Atlético with little time to chase the additional two goals they needed to overtake PSG and Botafogo in the group standings. In the dying minutes, Atlético threw everything forward, with Griezmann and Álvarez combining in a series of desperate attacks, but Botafogo’s defense held firm, denying the Spaniards any further breakthroughs. The final whistle confirmed Atlético’s elimination, as their 1-0 victory, while hard-earned, fell short of the three-goal margin required to advance.
For Botafogo, the match was a source of immense pride, as their unexpected success in Group B defied expectations. Coach Renato Paiva, reflecting on their campaign, remarked, “If I had said back in Brazil that we would get through this group, I would have been criticized to the core by everyone. We did what no one expected. We have to thank the Botafogo fans, and we have to be proud of Brazilian football.” Paiva’s comments highlighted the significance of Botafogo’s achievement, as they not only held their own against European heavyweights but also secured a knockout stage berth with their earlier upset over PSG. The Brazilian side’s performance in Pasadena, while ending in defeat, showcased their resilience and tactical discipline, qualities that will serve them well as they face the Group A winners in Philadelphia.
For Atlético Madrid, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite their statistical dominance, with 23 shots and a clear edge in possession, their inability to convert chances earlier in the match proved costly. Diego Simeone’s side, known for their defensive solidity and opportunistic attacking, showed flashes of their trademark intensity but lacked the ruthlessness needed to secure a more decisive victory. Griezmann’s late goal was a moment of individual brilliance, but it was not enough to salvage their Club World Cup campaign. As they exit the tournament, Atlético will turn their focus to domestic and European competitions, where their experience and depth will likely see them remain a formidable force. For now, however, the Rose Bowl will be remembered as the stage where their global ambitions were cut short, while Botafogo and PSG march on to the knockout rounds, carrying the hopes of their respective continents.
