June 24, (THEWILL) – Atlético Madrid became the first European club to exit the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup following their 1-0 victory against Botafogo in Pasadena, with the result proving insufficient to prevent elimination from the tournament.
The Spanish side required a three-goal margin to advance, but their late winner through Antoine Griezmann arrived too late to overcome the damage inflicted by their earlier 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
The match began with Botafogo controlling proceedings, nearly taking the lead through Jefferson Savarino, whose ninth-minute effort was comfortably saved by Jan Oblak after the Venezuelan forward raced clear on goal.
Atlético’s best opportunity of the first half fell to Julián Álvarez, who squandered a golden chance five minutes before the interval, shooting wide after turning inside the six-yard box.
Controversy stirred in first-half stoppage time when VAR intervened following a potential foul on Álvarez, but after lengthy deliberation, Alexander Sørloth was penalised for an earlier infringement, leaving the teams level at the break.
Diego Simeone introduced Griezmann at half-time to inject fresh impetus, yet Atlético continued to struggle against Botafogo’s organised defensive structure throughout the second period.
The Brazilian champions remained dangerous on the counter-attack, with Oblak producing an exceptional save to deny Igor Jesus during one swift breakaway.
Sørloth spurned another opportunity just after the hour mark, failing to connect properly with a cross and directing his header well wide of the target, epitomising Atlético’s wasteful finishing throughout the encounter.
Griezmann eventually broke the deadlock three minutes from time, converting from close range to give Atlético their solitary victory of the tournament.
However, Botafogo’s superior goal difference ensured their progression to the knockout phase as Group B runners-up, where they will face the winners of Group A. With Palmeiras currently leading that section, an all-Brazilian quarter-final remains a distinct possibility.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
