How Did Atletico Madrid Get Eliminated Despite Winning Against Botafogo?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Atletico Madrid's narrow victory over Botafogo was not enough to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Despite a stunning late goal from Antoine Griezmann, the team faced elimination due to goal difference. Discover the drama behind the match and the implications for both teams.
Key Takeaways
- Atletico Madrid finished third in Group B despite a win.
- Antoine Griezmann scored the decisive goal late in the match.
- Controversial VAR decision led to no penalty awarded to Atletico.
- Botafogo advanced despite being the underdogs.
- Goal difference played a crucial role in Atletico's elimination.
Los Angeles, June 24 (NationPress) Atletico Madrid became the first European side to exit the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after their 1-0 victory over Brazil's Botafogo in Group B on Monday, thanks to a late goal from Antoine Griezmann.
This slim win wasn't sufficient to advance Atletico to the knockout rounds, as three teams ended with six points each in the group. Atletico finished in third place, falling behind Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo due to goal difference.
Despite dominating the game with a total of 22 shots, Atletico struggled to find the back of the net until the 87th minute, when Griezmann converted a low cross from Julian Alvarez to score the decisive goal, as reported by Xinhua.
Botafogo, the current South American champions, utilized a deep defensive strategy while relying on rapid counterattacks, managing four shots—three on target—all thwarted by Atletico's goalkeeper, Jan Oblak.
The match's most disputed moment occurred during first-half stoppage time when Alvarez was fouled inside the box. However, after a VAR review, the referee chose not to award a penalty, igniting furious protests from the Atletico bench.
“Every refereeing decision in this tournament has gone against us,” Atletico's head coach Diego Simeone expressed his frustration in the post-match conference.
“We finished with the same points as the Champions League champion and the Libertadores winner, yet we were eliminated due to our match against Paris Saint-Germain, where every call seemed to favor them. We are close and competing well, but we need to improve further,” he added.
In another Group B match, Paris Saint-Germain comfortably defeated the Seattle Sounders 2-0, securing the top spot in the group ahead of Botafogo on goal difference.
Botafogo coach Renato Paiva remarked that few would have believed they could progress from such a challenging group at the tournament's outset. “We have achieved what few expected. We owe thanks to the Botafogo supporters, and we must take pride in Brazilian football,” he stated.
Point of View
Atletico Madrid's early exit from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup raises questions about the effectiveness of their strategies and the harsh realities of tournament play. Despite their talent and effort, the team faced unfortunate circumstances. It’s crucial to recognize the competitive nature of international football where one match can define a team's fate.
NationPress
24/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Atletico Madrid eliminated despite winning?
Atletico Madrid was eliminated due to goal difference, as three teams finished with six points in their group.
Who scored the winning goal for Atletico Madrid?
Antoine Griezmann scored the winning goal for Atletico Madrid in the 87th minute.
What was the controversy in the match against Botafogo?
The controversy arose when a potential penalty for Atletico was not awarded after a VAR review.
Which teams topped Group B?
Paris Saint-Germain topped Group B, followed by Botafogo, with Atletico finishing third.
How did Botafogo perform in the match?
Botafogo employed a defensive strategy and managed four shots, three of which were on target.
