Antoine Griezmann found the breakthrough Atlético Madrid had been chasing all game, but it arrived too late to save their FIFA Club World Cup campaign, as a 1-0 win over Botafogo wasn’t enough to book a spot in the knockout rounds.
In front of a sun-drenched crowd in Pasadena, the La Liga giants knew they needed to win by at least three goals to leapfrog Group B rivals Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo. Despite controlling possession and bombarding the Brazilian goal with 23 shots, Atlético couldn’t find the cutting edge until the 87th minute.
It was Ángel Correa’s blocked attempt that fell kindly to Griezmann, who pounced with a crisp left-footed finish to beat goalkeeper John and give Atlético a glimmer of hope. But time was the enemy, and Botafogo’s dogged defence held firm to seal their unexpected passage to the last 16.
The Brazilian side defied the odds in what many considered a ‘Group of Death.’ “We did what no one expected,” said coach Renato Paiva. “We have to thank the Botafogo fans, and we have to be proud of Brazilian football.”
Atlético’s frustration began early. In the 10th minute, Botafogo nearly struck first when Jefferson Savarino burst through, only to be denied by a superb Jan Oblak save. The Slovenian goalkeeper kept Atlético alive throughout, making three crucial stops and keeping Igor Jesus and Cuiabano at bay in the second half.
Julián Álvarez came closest before the break, spinning on the edge of the area and rifling a shot narrowly wide. Griezmann, tireless and inventive, rattled the post in the 55th minute before finally delivering what proved a consolation strike.
The result saw PSG and Botafogo advance, the French side edging past the Seattle Sounders 2-0 in the group’s other match. For Atlético, the exit marks a disappointing end to a campaign that promised more, especially after such a dominant performance without the required scoreline to show for it.
