Atletico Madrid became the first European team to be eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup, bowing out despite a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brazilian side Botafogo in Pasadena.
Diego Simeone’s side needed a win by at least three goals to stand a chance of progressing, but struggled to break down a resolute Botafogo defence and ultimately paid the price for their earlier 4-0 defeat to PSG.
Botafogo, despite losing on the night, advanced to the knockout stage on goal difference, ending Atlético’s hopes and continuing South America’s strong showing at the tournament.
The match started slowly, with Botafogo looking the more comfortable side in the opening exchanges. Jefferson Savarino nearly gave the Brazilians the lead in the 9th minute, but his tame finish was easily gathered by Jan Oblak.
Atlético responded with a golden chance of their own five minutes before halftime, only for Julian Alvarez to fire wide from close range. The Spanish side thought they had a penalty in stoppage time, but VAR ruled out the decision due to a foul by Alexander Sørloth in the build-up.
Simeone introduced Antoine Griezmann after the break in a bid to increase attacking urgency. Atlético ramped up the pressure, with Sørloth heading wide and Oblak needing to make a superb save to deny Igor Jesus on a Botafogo counter.
Griezmann finally gave Atlético the lead in the 87th minute with a close-range finish, but it proved too little, too late.
Botafogo held on to finish second in the group, setting up a clash with the winner of Group A – potentially setting the stage for an all-Brazilian showdown with Palmeiras.
