Atlético 1-0 Botafogo: colchonera heartbreak in Club WC

New setback for Atlético de Madrid in an international competition. The 'colchonero' team, despite winning the match 1-0 against Botafogo, with a goal from the French 'crack' Antoine Griezmann, failed to transcend in Group B of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, falling short of qualifying.

'Cholo' Simeone's team did not have a good first half. They went from bad to good, and although by reputation and necessity they should have assumed a more proactive role, they did so without forcefulness. They were victims of their own inexperience due to nerves, while Fogão knew how to read the rhythm of the match, waited patiently and tried to strike when the opportunity arose.

In fact, one of the most dangerous actions of the first half was by the Cariocas, with a right-footed shot by Jefferson Savarino in the 10th minute that forced a spectacular intervention by Jan Oblak. With feline reflexes, the Slovenian goalkeeper dived low to deflect the shot with a saving slap.

Controversy in the area and claims from Atlético

Beyond that action, there were not many clear chances in the first half. The other outstanding play came in the 42nd minute, when Julián Álvarez received a great pass from Rodrigo de Paul and, almost alone in the small area, crossed his shot excessively and it ended up going wide by very little. It was the most striking thing about an Atlético that, in addition, experienced the first 45' immersed in an atmosphere of controversy.

The 'rojiblancos' claimed up to three alleged penalties on Julián Álvarez. Perhaps the clearest was the third, reviewed at 45+1, for a stamp on 'la Araña' in the area. However, although the action seemed punishable, the VAR ended up dictating a previous foul by Alexander Sørloth, who slapped an opponent who was guarding him.

Atlético and a fruitless siege against a great John

Already in the second half, Atlético returned with a different face. They gave 45 minutes of offensive football, constantly besieging Botafogo. The figure of goalkeeper John emerged strongly, taking out everything he could and deflecting the authentic stoning that fell on his goal.

Fogão, meanwhile, clung to the counter-attack manual and tried to do damage as in the 67th minute, when a spectacular shot from Igor Jesús made Oblak fly and take out that 'devilish' shot with his right hand.

Griezmann's goal and the 'colchonera' elimination

The last 20 minutes were a real 'rush' of emotions, with a back and forth that offered opportunities for both teams. Finally, the reward came in the 86th minute, with a goal from Antoine Griezmann that put Atlético ahead.

Great assist from Javi Galán, who sent a cross from the left sector, which crossed the entire area, and made contact with the Frenchman who, totally unmarked, did not hesitate to take a left-footed shot to beat John and make it 1-0. That made the 'colchoneros' believe that the pass to the other phase was possible.

However, that would be the only shout of the 'rojiblanco' team from Madrid in this match. Thus, Atlético de Madrid says goodbye to the FIFA Club World Cup with a victory that is not enough to qualify for the round of 16.

Although they tied on points with Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo —first and second in the group, respectively—, the goal difference ended up condemning them. A new 'colchonero' failure on the international scene.

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