- Atletico Madrid defeated Botafogo 1:0 but failed to reach the main phase of the Club World Cup
- Griezmann scored the winner in the 87th minute after an assist from Julian Alvarez
- Despite finishing with 6 points, Atletico were eliminated due to inferior head-to-head record
Key Takeaways:
Atletico Madrid secured a narrow 1:0 win over Botafogo, but even that was not enough for the Spaniards to continue to the main phase of the Club World Cup. The only goal in the USA came in the 87th minute, when Antoine Griezmann finished off a pass from Julian Alvarez to bring the three points to Atleti.
Despite this victory, the Spaniards are packing their bags back to the Iberian Peninsula, as they remain in third place with six points. Both PSG and Botafogo also have six, but those two teams have better records in the direct matches between the teams.
CLASSIFICADO! 🌟 #FIFACWC | @Botafogo pic.twitter.com/N7VLsw0RMc
— Mundial de Clubes da FIFA 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_pt) June 23, 2025
Jan Oblak made a save ten minutes into the match after a shot from Jefferson Savarino. In the 25th minute, tension rose in the penalty area after Julian Alvarez went down in a disputed situation. The Atletico Madrid players immediately raised their hands claiming a penalty, but the main referee signalled for play to continue without hesitation, leaving behind doubts and angry looks.
Until this point the clash resembled a chess battle in midfield—balanced but lacking any real attacking spark. Neither side managed to surprise the defence of the other with anything more than semi-dangerous intentions.
After the break, Diego Simeone made a key change by replacing Conor Gallagher with Antoine Griezmann – a move that eventually proved decisive. The French ace quickly reminded everyone of his qualities when in the 60th minute he fired a dangerous shot from a tight angle that shook the right post.
Botafogo responded with strong pressure and in the 67th minute Jan Oblak saved his team with an impressive one-handed stop after a shot by Igor Jesus – undoubtedly one of the most spectacular saves of the match.
In the 80th minute Alexander Sorloth received a good chance but sent the ball high over the crossbar. Atletico raised the tempo again in the final minutes – in the 83rd minute Angel Correa broke down the right wing and sent a low pass along the goal line, but Griezmann failed to make accurate contact.
Everything was decided three minutes before the final whistle. After an unconvincing clearance in the Brazilian defence, the ball landed at Julian Alvarez’ feet, who showed class and composure. The striker held the ball, waited for the right moment, and found Griezmann, and this time the Frenchman did not miss – with a measured strike he brought victory to Los Colchoneros and confirmed his role as a key player in Simeone’s team.