By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 24, 2025 00:45 AM • 205 views
MIAMI — A goal worthy of survival. A performance deserving of heartbreak. Antoine Griezmann's 87th-minute strike sealed a hard-fought 1-0 win for Atletico Madrid over Botafogo on Monday night in Group B action of the Club World Cup—but it wasn't enough. Despite finishing level on six points with Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo, the Spanish side crashed out on goal difference, becoming the highest-profile casualty of the tournament so far. PSG's 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders in the concurrent group fixture propelled them to the summit, with Botafogo clinging to second place and a berth in the last 16. For Diego Simeone, it was a night of tactical control, emotional fire, and, ultimately, bitter disappointment. "We did everything to stay alive," Simeone said post-match, voice tight with frustration. "But in this tournament, there is no mercy for missed chances."
⚽ Griezmann Delivers, But Too Little, Too Late
Atletico dominated the ball from the outset but found themselves stonewalled by a disciplined Botafogo backline. Even with the knowledge that a win by three goals was the only result that would send them through, the La Liga side struggled to generate clear-cut opportunities.
Botafogo, playing smart and compact, threatened on the counter. Igor Jesus and Jefferson Savarino both forced sharp saves out of Jan Oblak as the Brazilian club continued to punch above their weight in their first Club World Cup campaign.
Controversy flared in the first half when Julian Alvarez went down in the box under a challenge from Gregory. Atletico appealed vociferously for a penalty, but after a lengthy VAR check, Mexican referee Cesar Ramos overturned the decision due to a foul in the build-up by Alexander Sørloth. The ruling sent Simeone into a fury, storming onto the pitch at halftime to confront the officials—a moment that perfectly encapsulated the pressure of the occasion.
Atletico's desperation was rewarded—if only symbolically—in the 87th minute, when Griezmann, introduced late in the second half, picked his spot from inside the area to beat goalkeeper John and net the winner. The goal handed PSG top spot but meant Atletico's margin of victory fell short by a mere goal.
🧮 Group B Final Standings:
Paris Saint-Germain – 6 pts (GD +2)
Botafogo – 6 pts (GD +1)
Atletico Madrid – 6 pts (GD 0)
Seattle Sounders – 0 pts
🔜 What's Next?
PSG will face Group A's runners-up on Sunday in Atlanta. Botafogo take on the Group A winners on Saturday in Philadelphia. Atletico Madrid, despite their proud tradition and European pedigree, are headed home. This marks another frustrating chapter for Atletico, whose intensity under Simeone has never been in question—but whose efficiency in front of goal continues to haunt them on the biggest stages. "The margins at this level are brutal," admitted Griezmann. "We leave with heads high but hearts heavy." Botafogo, meanwhile, advances with confidence. Their disciplined approach and shock win over PSG have already shaken the hierarchy. And as the knockout rounds loom, they'll be eager to prove they're not just lucky survivors—but serious contenders.
