Atlético Madrid vs Botafogo

As Atletico Madrid head into their last group stage match at the revamped Club World Cup, their path to advancement remains uncertain, though they still control their own fate.

After a heavy 4-0 defeat to PSG, Los Colchoneros rebounded with a convincing victory against Seattle Sounders. Pablo Barrios opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a shot that rattled off the crossbar, and Atleti sealed a 3-1 triumph at Lumen Field with a goal from Axel Witsel and another from Barrios.

Known for their inconsistency, the Madrid side has netted at least three goals in six of their past 10 games, winning all of them, but failed to score in the other four, losing three.

Sitting third in Group B, Atletico are tied on points with PSG and trail Botafogo by three, setting the stage for a potentially complex final matchday. If the recent UEFA Champions League winners, as anticipated, beat Seattle, Diego Simeone’s team will need a three-goal victory at the Rose Bowl to overcome their goal difference disadvantage.

In the Club World Cup’s unique tiebreaker rules, only goals scored against tied teams matter, meaning Atleti’s earlier thrashing by PSG could haunt them if all three teams finish with six points. Even defeating a confident Botafogo, fresh off their upset of the European champions, will be a daunting challenge.

Just weeks after PSG claimed UEFA’s premier title, South American champions Botafogo stunned the French side with a 1-0 win in Pasadena. Igor Jesus’ deflected strike gave Fogo the lead, and their disciplined defense secured a historic victory—the first by a CONMEBOL team over European opposition at the Club World Cup since Corinthians defeated Chelsea in 2012.

PSG’s Luis Enrique praised Botafogo’s tactical organization, as they managed the game with just 26% possession. Riding a wave of momentum, the Rio club has now won five consecutive matches and 10 of their last 13 since late April. A single point in their next game would secure their place in the round of 16, cementing their status as leaders of the tournament’s toughest group.

As 2024 Copa Libertadores and Brazilian league champions, Botafogo are poised to spearhead South America’s challenge at this reimagined competition. Only a loss by three or more goals could derail Renato Paiva’s squad, but in Group B, anything is possible.