Atlético Madrid have been eliminated from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage, becoming the tournament’s first major disappointment. Despite a 1-0 win over Botafogo, the Spanish side failed to achieve the three-goal margin needed to advance on goal difference.
Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal, ending a long personal drought, but it wasn’t enough. Manager Diego Simeone started an attack featuring Rodrigo De Paul, his son Giuliano Simeone, and Julián Álvarez, though the front line lacked efficiency. Late substitutions couldn’t change the outcome.
Atlético dominated possession but struggled to break through Botafogo’s disciplined defense. With this result, Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo advance from Group B, while Atlético are left to reassess their direction — and possibly Simeone’s future.
