Botafogo Advance to Club World Cup Last 16 Despite Loss to Atletico Madrid
Brazilian side progress on goal difference as Atletico fall short despite late Griezmann strike
- Botafogo secured their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup
- Atletico finally broke the deadlock late
- Botafogo will now face the winners of Group A in the round of 16.
Botafogo secured their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup at the expense of Atletico Madrid, despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Spanish side.
Atletico entered the match needing a win by at least three goals to advance but struggled to break down Botafogo’s disciplined defense throughout the game.
After a cagey first half with few clear chances, Atletico manager Diego Simeone brought on veteran forward Antoine Griezmann to inject some urgency into the attack. The substitution nearly paid off immediately, as Griezmann struck the post from a tight angle.
Alexander Sorloth, who led the tournament in expected goals (xG) heading into the match, squandered a golden opportunity by heading wide from close range.
Atletico finally broke the deadlock late on when Griezmann fired home from inside the box, but the goal came too late to change their fate. Botafogo’s superior goal difference saw them advance, while Simeone’s side were eliminated.
Controversial VAR Decision
A key moment in the match came just before halftime, when Atletico forward Julian Alvarez appeared to be fouled in the box. After a VAR review, referee Cesar Ramos agreed a penalty would have been awarded—if not for an earlier foul by Sorloth, resulting in a free-kick for Botafogo instead.
Botafogo will now face the winners of Group A in the round of 16.
