Brazil’s Botafogo secured a spot in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Monday, progressing from Group B despite suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid. The result saw Atletico, despite winning two out of three group games, eliminated from the tournament due to inferior goal difference.
The Spanish side, who were thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in their opening match, entered their final group stage clash with a mountain to climb. A high-margin win was necessary to stand a chance of overtaking Botafogo, but even that hope was dashed as PSG clinched a 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders in the group’s other fixture. With that result, PSG topped Group B with six points, level on points with Botafogo and Atletico but ahead on goal difference.
Atletico’s late 1-0 win at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl, played in sweltering midday conditions before 22,992 fans, ultimately meant little in the grand scheme of the tournament. The only goal of the encounter came in the 87th minute from Antoine Griezmann, who smashed home a cross from Julian Alvarez. The Frenchman’s strike secured a win for Atletico but couldn’t rescue their campaign.
“We’re frustrated that we didn’t qualify — we had six points,” said Atletico head coach Diego Simeone post-match. “At the end of the day we were punished because it wasn’t enough. I’m proud of the work of my guys. We played our hearts out; we won two games but unfortunately we are not going through.”
Botafogo, who stunned PSG 1-0 in a memorable second group game, entered their final match knowing that keeping the scoreline modest against Atletico would be enough to go through. The South American champions made an energetic start, with Jefferson Savarino threatening Jan Oblak early on.
As the first half progressed, Atletico began to assert control, enjoying more possession and creating chances. Julian Alvarez came close in the 41st minute, only to see his shot deflect off Botafogo defender Alexander Barboza. Controversy followed minutes later when Alvarez appeared to be tripped in the area, prompting a video assistant referee (VAR) check. However, the potential penalty was ruled out due to an earlier foul on Barboza.
“None of the decisions went our way,” a disappointed Simeone said, reflecting on the officiating.
The second half saw Botafogo fall into a defensive posture, soaking up pressure while Atletico pressed forward. Igor Jesus nearly gave the Brazilian side the lead midway through the second half, volleying a cross from Cuiabano that Oblak palmed away.
Ultimately, it was Griezmann who found the net for Atletico in the dying minutes, exploiting a lapse in Botafogo’s marking to convert a cross from Alvarez. Despite the late goal, Atletico’s fate was already sealed, with Botafogo’s defensive discipline and earlier triumph over PSG proving decisive.
What you should know
Botafogo advanced to the Club World Cup last 16 on goal difference despite a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid. All three top teams in Group B—Botafogo, PSG, and Atletico—ended with six points, but PSG and Botafogo moved on thanks to better goal margins. Atletico’s elimination came despite winning two of their three games.
