The Club World Cup 2025 witnessed high drama in Group B as Atletico Madrid defeated Botafogo 1-0 but were still eliminated on goal difference. Despite winning two out of three matches, the Spanish side crashed out, while Botafogo and Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the knockout stage.
Atletico Madrid bowed out of the Club World Cup 2025 despite earning a 1-0 win over Brazilian side Botafogo in their final Group B clash on Monday. The Spanish giants exited the tournament on goal difference, with Botafogo and Paris Saint-Germain advancing to the knockout stage. Although Atletico Madrid showed character and secured a late victory through Antoine Griezmann, it wasn’t enough to overturn their earlier setback in the group stage.
Atletico Madrid VS Botafogo : Key Details
- Match Date: June 23, 2025
- Venue: Pasadena Rose Bowl, USA
- Attendance: 22,992
- Result: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Botafogo
- Goal Scorer: Antoine Griezmann (87′)
- Atletico Group Points: 6
- Botafogo Group Points: 6
- PSG Group Points: 6
- Qualification Outcome: Botafogo & PSG qualified
- Eliminated: Atletico Madrid, Seattle Sounders
Late Griezmann Goal Seals Win But Not Qualification
Atletico Madrid came into their final Group B fixture knowing they needed a significant win to keep their Club World Cup 2025 hopes alive. Having suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to PSG in their opener, their goal difference left them in a difficult position. In sweltering heat at the Pasadena Rose Bowl and with 22,992 fans in attendance, Diego Simeone’s men pushed hard against Brazilian giants Botafogo.
Botafogo, who had stunned PSG 1-0 in their previous match, only needed to avoid a heavy loss to move into the last 16. They started positively, with Venezuelan winger Jefferson Savarino testing Jan Oblak early on. Atletico gradually took control, dominating possession as the game progressed. Julian Alvarez came close to scoring in the 41st minute, but his effort was deflected for a corner.
Controversy struck on the stroke of halftime when Alvarez appeared to be fouled in the box. A potential penalty was ruled out after a VAR check spotted a foul earlier in the build-up. Atletico’s frustration grew as they saw another decision go against them.
In the second half, the Spanish side maintained control and spent large spells camped in Botafogo’s half. The Brazilians, well-organized defensively, absorbed the pressure and almost scored themselves when Igor Jesus’s volley forced a brilliant save from Oblak.
The breakthrough finally came in the 87th minute. Antoine Griezmann found space in the box and finished off a whipped cross from Alvarez to give Atletico Madrid a 1-0 lead. However, with PSG defeating Seattle Sounders 2-0 in the other Group B match, the single goal wasn’t enough. Atletico, Botafogo, and PSG all ended with six points, but Simeone’s side were edged out on goal difference.
Botafogo Advance, Atletico Pay Price for Opening Loss
Despite the loss, Botafogo advanced to the last 16 of the Club World Cup 2025, thanks to their earlier upset over PSG and superior goal difference. Their solid defensive showing against Atletico Madrid highlighted their ability to stay composed under pressure. Botafogo finished second in the group behind PSG, who topped the standings by virtue of a superior goal difference.
Atletico Madrid’s disappointment was clear after the match. Coach Diego Simeone admitted the team was frustrated but proud. “We’re frustrated that we didn’t qualify — we had six points,” said Simeone. “At the end of the day we were punished because it wasn’t enough. I’m proud of the work of my guys. We played our hearts out; we won two games but unfortunately we are not going through.”
This elimination will be especially painful for Atletico Madrid, who responded well after their opening defeat but paid the price for their poor start. Despite strong performances in their final two group games, their inability to score more goals proved costly in the final standings.
Botafogo’s journey continues as they prepare for the knockout rounds. Their tactical discipline and resilience will make them a tough opponent moving forward in the Club World Cup 2025.