Botafogo sealed a place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, who are eliminated from the competition after failing to win by the required three-goal margin.
Atletico, needing a resounding victory to leapfrog the Brazilian side, dominated much of the match but were repeatedly frustrated by a disciplined and resolute Botafogo defence. The Spanish giants created plenty of opportunities but lacked the clinical edge to convert them.
After a cagey first half, Atletico manager Diego Simeone brought on Antoine Griezmann at half-time to inject urgency into the attack. The Frenchman almost made an immediate impact, hitting the post from a tight angle after a surging run down the left.
Striker Alexander Sørloth, who entered the game with the highest expected goals (xG) of any player in the tournament, missed a golden opportunity with a close-range header that flew wide.
Atletico finally found the breakthrough late in the match when Griezmann fired home from inside the area. However, the solitary goal was not enough to overturn the goal difference, sending Simeone’s side out of the tournament.
Atletico were left aggrieved by several penalty appeals, particularly one involving Julián Álvarez in first-half stoppage time. After VAR intervention, the referee confirmed that a foul had occurred on the Argentine striker—but the penalty was overturned due to an earlier push by Sørloth.
Julián Álvarez impressed with his movement and creativity, linking well with Sørloth and consistently threatening Botafogo’s defence. Griezmann’s second-half introduction brought added sharpness, and questions may be asked about why he didn’t start.
For Botafogo, the entire team earned plaudits for their commitment and collective defensive effort. Despite the pressure, they held firm and offered danger on the counterattack throughout.
Key Stats
* Atletico Madrid had 23 shots to Botafogo’s 7
* 17 of Atletico’s shots came from inside the box
* Atletico’s xG totalled 3.05, but they only managed a single goal.
Botafogo finish second in Group B following Paris Saint-Germain’s win over Seattle Sounders and will now face Group A winner Palmeiras in the round of 16.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, bow out of the tournament, their campaign ending in frustration despite a spirited display.