Botafogo Advance Despite Atletico Madrid Defeat: Griezmann’s Late Goal Not Enough

Botafogo secured progression to the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup despite a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, who fell short of the three-goal margin needed to qualify. The Brazilian side’s tactical resilience proved decisive as they limited Atletico’s effectiveness in front of goal.

Atletico struggled to unlock Botafogo's deep defensive block in the first half, prompting manager Diego Simeone to introduce Antoine Griezmann at halftime. The Frenchman injected urgency into the attack and almost delivered instantly, hitting the post from a tight angle.

Statistically, Atletico Madrid dominated possession and goal-scoring opportunities, registering 23 shots—17 from inside the box—and an expected goals (xG) value of 3.05. Yet they could only breach Botafogo’s net once, when Griezmann struck late from inside the area.

Alexander Sorloth, the tournament’s top xG performer coming into the game, squandered a gilt-edged chance with a close-range header. Despite his offensive movement, he remained goalless, and his earlier foul on a defender nullified a VAR-reviewed penalty that Julian Alvarez had seemingly won.

Alvarez was tireless in his pressing and linked well with Sorloth, but fortune was not on his side. On the Brazilian end, the entire Botafogo squad delivered a gritty performance, remaining compact in defense and threatening on counters.

The result means Botafogo finish second in Group B behind PSG, who beat Seattle. They will now face Palmeiras—Group A winners—in an all-Brazilian knockout clash on Saturday at 17:00 BST in Philadelphia. For Atletico Madrid, elimination marks a bitter end to what had promised to be a deep run in the tournament.

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