Seattle Sounders FC 1-3 Atlético de Madrid | Group B
Seattle Sounders goal: Albert Rusnak (50)
Atlético de Madrid goals: Pablo Barrios (11, 55), Axel Witsel (47)
Atlético de Madrid bounced back from their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-German with a comfortable victory over Seattle Sounders FC at Lumen Field.
The Rojiblancos got their FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ campaign up and running thanks to classy brace from Pablo Barrios and a poacher’s goal from Axel Witsel, who scored just two minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute.
Atlético totally dominated the opening half but were profligate with the numerous chances they created, as Julian Alvarez curled the ball just wide and Alexander Sorloth squandered two golden opportunities. But they broke the deadlock in the 11th minute with a beautiful strike from Barrios that cannoned off the crossbar and into the net.
The La Liga giants struck the woodwork again in the 47th minute through Marcos Llorente’s long-range rocket which was tipped onto the crossbar by Stefan Frei. The opportunistic Witsel was on hand to head the ball into the net from close range.
Seattle gave themselves life when Albert Rusnak struck home from 10 yards out. But their hope was short-lived as Barrios extended Atleti’s lead moments later with another quality strike, leaving the Sounders on the brink of elimination.
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Quotes
“We created many chances in the first half and the team played very well in the first 30 minutes. Then their goal put the victory in doubt but the team knew how to compete and I’m happy with the win.”
Atlético de Madrid coach Diego Simeone
“The most difficult thing in football is creating chances. We created many opportunities today but weren’t fortunate enough to score more goals. But that’s in the past now, and we’re already focusing on Botafogo. We will need to do as well or better than today. We want to qualify to the knockout stage so we need to keep winning.”
Atlético de Madrid midfielder Koke
“They always tell me to go forward and attack. Today it happened that way. I’m very happy about that obviously. We played a great game; we could’ve scored more goals. We need to be better in front of goal because short tournaments like this one are decided in the box. We had to improve our performance and we did it. Now we’re looking forward to Botafogo.”
Atlético de Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Pablo Barrios (Atlético de Madrid)
