Seattle Sounders vs Atletico Madrid

Atlético Madrid and Seattle Sounders Clash in Must-Win Club World Cup Showdown

Atlético Madrid make their way to Seattle’s Lumen Field on Thursday, desperate to bounce back from a brutal opening defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup. Meanwhile, the hometown Sounders are also licking their wounds after a narrow loss—setting the stage for a high-stakes Group B battle where neither side can afford another slip-up.

Seattle’s Uphill Battle
The Sounders, one of three MLS teams in the expanded tournament, couldn’t capitalize on home advantage in their first match, falling 2-1 to Brazil’s Botafogo. A late Cristian Roldan strike gave them hope, but the comeback fell short, leaving Seattle at the bottom of the group.

Coach Brian Schmetzer praised his team’s effort but admitted they lacked the clinical edge needed to snatch a result. Now, with daunting fixtures against Atlético and PSG looming, Seattle’s knockout-stage hopes hinge on pulling off a major upset. The Sounders are also in worrying form—losing three straight across all competitions, including two in MLS. Another home defeat would mark their worst streak at Lumen Field since 2011.

Atlético’s Redemption Mission
Diego Simeone’s men endured a nightmare start to their Club World Cup debut, thrashed 4-0 by a dominant PSG in Los Angeles. Reduced to 10 men early, Atlético never recovered, and a frustrated Simeone sidestepped criticism post-match, instead taking a swipe at PSG’s financial muscle.

Yet, there’s still hope. With their toughest group game behind them, Atlético now face winnable matches against Seattle and Botafogo. But after a trophyless season and early Champions League exit, the pressure is on—another loss here would leave their knockout dreams hanging by a thread.

History Favors La Liga
While this is Atlético’s first meeting with an American side, Spanish clubs have a strong record against MLS opponents, winning their last five encounters. Will the Sounders defy the odds, or will Simeone’s men steady the ship? With both teams fighting for survival, expect fireworks in Seattle.