Atletico Madrid said goodbye to the 2025 Club World Cup in the most painful way: winning their last match, but without qualifying. On June 23, at the emblematic Rose Bowl in Pasadena (California), the team led by Diego Simeone defeated Botafogo of Brazil 1-0 with a goal by Antoine Griezmann, but it was not enough to advance to the round of 16.
The Spanish team needed a three-goal win to reverse the impact of the 4-0 defeat they suffered in their opener against Paris Saint-Germain. Although they dominated possession and generated multiple chances, Los Colchoneros were unable to find the strength they needed to seal their passage.
It was defined by the goal difference
Atlético de Madrid was eliminated in a six-way tie between PSG, Botafogo and the Madrid team.
However, the goal difference in direct confrontations favored the French (+3) and Brazilians (0), while the Spaniards were left with a -3, which left them out of the round of 16.
The initial stumble against PSG was decisive.
The Spanish team needed a win by three goals
That heavy scoreline conditioned the entire group stage.
Despite improving their performance in the following matches, Atlético de Madrid failed to reverse the damage.
Dominance without forcefulness
Buzzy
With the pressure of needing a goal, “Cholo” Simeone opted for a more dynamic eleven, leaving Koke on the bench and adding Conor Gallagher in the middle.
The start was tense, with Botafogo showing defensive solidity and betting on the counterattack.
Venezuelan Jefferson Savarino had a clear chance in the 10th minute, but goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved the Spanish team.
As the minutes went by, Atlético de Madrid began to impose its rhythm, but lacked precision in the final touch.
Julián Álvarez missed a clear chance on the verge of halftime, and a possible penalty for a foul on him was disallowed after a VAR review for a previous foul by Sorloth.
In the second half, Griezmann came on for a miracle.
The Frenchman scored in the 78th minute with an assist from Julián Álvarez, breaking a 17-game scoreless streak.
But it was too late. The Rio de Janeiro team withstood the final attacks and celebrated their qualification, leaving Atlético de Madrid empty-handed.
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