Atlético de Madrid 1-0 Botafogo
Atlético
de Madrid goals: Antoine Griezmann (87)
A late goal from Antoine Griezmann couldn’t prevent Atlético
de Madrid exiting the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ with Botafogo doing enough to qualify as Group B runners-up in Los Angeles.
With Paris Saint-Germain victorious over Seattle Sounders FC, the Spanish side needed to win by three goals, but that never really looked likely with Botafogo proving a tough defensive nut to crack.
The Brazilians were denied an early opener after a quick counter-attack sent Jefferson Savarino away, but he was denied by the legs of Atlético keeper Jan Oblak in a one-on-one situation. Artur then had a shot deflected wide.
At the other end, England international Conor Gallagher dug out an effort that soared just too high. Atlético missed their best chance of the half four minutes before half-time when Julian Alvarez snatched at his close-range shot and dragged his attempt wide.
Diego Simeone’s side had to take more chances at the start of the second half and they started committing more and more players up the pitch with half-time substitute Griezmann giving them more attacking impetus, and the club legend hit the outside of the post on the hour mark.
Then Norway striker Alexander Sorloth missed a huge chance when he headed wide from point-blank range. However, they required a fine stop from Oblak to keep out an Igor Jesus volley.
Griezmann finally made the breakthrough with three minutes to go with a classy poached finish, but it wasn’t enough. Botafogo will now go to Philadelphia on June 28 for their Round of 16 game, where they will meet the winners of Group A.
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Quotes
“Many people doubted whether we would qualify. We proved that our squad has quality. At no point did I think about this match being my farewell at Botafogo. I want to defend Botafogo as long as I can. My confidence grew after the match against PSG. I knew we could qualify. Now we have to keep working to correct the mistakes we made in this match to avoid repeating them in the next one.”
Igor Jesus, Botafogo forward
“It hasn’t been enough, unfortunately, the ball didn’t go in. If we had scored in the first half, or if it had been easier for us in the second, things might have been different. But it’s over. We didn’t achieve what we needed. The truth is, we’re disappointed. We definitely gave everything in the second and third matches, but we didn’t play well in the first one, and that cost us. With six points, we’re not going through, because in the first match we conceded four easy goals. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it.”
Jan Oblak, Atlético de Madrid goalkeeper
“There is frustration of not going through. Earning six points wasn’t bad, but the match against Paris condemned us. In today’s game we had chances to go ahead. We’re clear on what we need to improve. Credit to the opponent – they worked very well, with honesty and courage. They defended the way you have to defend, and when you defend well, you have a better chance of winning. We gave everything we had, we won two out of three matches, but sadly, we’re out.”
Diego Simeone, Atlético de Madrid coach
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Antoine Griezmann (Atlético de Madrid)
