Atletico Madrid’s hopes of advancing in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 ended in disappointment on Monday after they crashed out despite beating Brazilian side Botafogo 1-0 in their final Group B match.
The Spanish giants needed a big win to progress after a heavy 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in their opening game. However, with PSG beating Seattle Sounders 2-0 in another group game, Atletico’s task became harder.
Atletico’s only goal came late in the game from former France star Antoine Griezmann, who scored in the 87th minute with a precise finish from a Julian Alvarez cross. Though the win gave Atletico three points, it wasn’t enough as they missed out on qualification by goal difference.
Botafogo, South American champions and group runners-up, had earlier stunned PSG with a 1-0 victory and ended the group with six points — the same as Atletico. But Botafogo’s better goal difference secured them a place in the knockout stage.
“We are frustrated we didn’t qualify even though we had six points,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said after the game. “We played hard and won two games, but it wasn’t enough.”
The match at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, USA, saw Botafogo start strong, with Venezuelan Jefferson Savarino testing Atletico’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak early. Atletico grew into the game and controlled most of the possession.
A key moment came just before halftime when Alvarez appeared to be fouled in the box, but after video review, no penalty was awarded due to a foul on Botafogo’s defender in the build-up.
In the final minutes, Atletico pressed hard, but Botafogo held firm until Griezmann’s late strike. Despite the win, Atletico’s journey in the tournament ended, while Botafogo move forward to the last 16.
