Griezmann's Late Goal Lifts Atlético Madrid Over Botafogo, But Not Into the Knockout Stage

Antoine Griezmann’s late strike offered a flicker of hope for Atlético Madrid, but it wasn’t enough to save their Club World Cup campaign. Despite a dominant 1-0 win over Brazil’s Botafogo at the Rose Bowl on Monday evening, the Spanish side fell short of the margin needed to reach the knockout rounds, bringing their tournament to a premature close.

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A Win Without Reward

The math was clear heading into the match: Atlético Madrid needed to win by at least three goals to leapfrog Botafogo and Paris Saint-Germain in Group B and claim a top-two finish. While the effort was valiant, the execution ultimately came up short.

Griezmann, introduced at halftime in a tactical gamble by manager Diego Simeone, finally broke the deadlock in the 87th minute. After Ángel Correa’s shot was blocked in the box, Griezmann latched onto the loose ball and slotted a composed left-footed finish past Botafogo goalkeeper John.

It was a just reward for Atlético’s relentless pressure — but with little time remaining and Botafogo’s defensive wall standing firm, the Spaniards couldn’t conjure the additional goals required to stay alive in the tournament. Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders in the group’s other final match cemented Botafogo’s advancement alongside the French club.

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Missed Opportunities Define Atlético’s Exit

Atlético Madrid dominated much of the game, racking up 23 shots to Botafogo’s seven, with 17 of those efforts coming from inside the penalty area. The expected goals (xG) stat line underscored their offensive intent, with Atlético generating a tournament-high 3.05 xG for the match — yet converting just once.

Much of the frustration stemmed from missed chances in key moments. Julián Álvarez had an early opportunity to break the deadlock late in the first half but skewed his powerful shot wide. Griezmann, soon after his second-half arrival, beat his defender and fired at goal from a tight angle — only to see his shot ricochet off the post. Meanwhile, Alexander Sørloth, who entered the game with the highest xG per 90 minutes of any player in the tournament, inexplicably headed wide from six yards out.

Botafogo’s goalkeeper, John, played a pivotal role in preserving the narrow margin, registering four saves and commanding his penalty area with authority. On the other end, Jan Oblak was sharp for Atlético, with three crucial saves that kept Botafogo off the scoresheet — most notably denying Jefferson Savarino in the 10th minute and Igor Jesus midway through the second half.

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VAR Drama and Defensive Grit

The game also saw a moment of controversy when a potential Atlético penalty in first-half stoppage time was overturned. VAR advised referee César Ramos to review a foul on Álvarez inside the box. While Ramos agreed there was a foul, he awarded a free-kick to Botafogo instead, citing an earlier push by Sørloth.

That moment typified the fine margins separating success from disappointment for Simeone’s men. Though Atlético enjoyed territorial control and creativity — particularly after the introduction of Griezmann — they struggled to crack open a resolute Botafogo defense that worked cohesively and countered with pace when possible.

From front to back, Botafogo’s discipline and tactical awareness proved vital. They didn’t need to win — and they played like a side that understood exactly what was required to survive. Their composure under pressure, especially in the final minutes after Griezmann’s goal, ultimately saw them through.

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Standout Performances

• Antoine Griezmann: The French international injected urgency into Atlético’s attack after coming on at halftime. His technical class and eventual goal stood out, and questions may be raised about why he didn’t start in such a high-stakes fixture.
• Julián Álvarez: Though he didn’t get on the scoresheet, Álvarez was a constant threat. His movement, link-up play with Sørloth, and persistence made him Atlético’s most dangerous forward throughout the match.
• Botafogo’s defense: While no single defender stood out above the rest, their collective effort was superb. Their ability to track runners, block shots, and hold their shape under relentless pressure was instrumental in their progression.

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What's Next

With the group stage concluded, Botafogo will move on to face the winner of Group A in the last 16 — a matchup that could see them clash with either Inter Miami or Palmeiras, depending on final results. For Atlético Madrid, the loss stings not for its outcome on paper, but for what it means: a tournament exit despite a superior performance on the day.

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Final Thoughts

Atlético Madrid’s elimination is a case study in football’s brutal efficiency — a reminder that dominance doesn’t guarantee reward. In a tournament format where goal difference and timing can be just as crucial as talent and tactics, Simeone’s side will be left to rue their early stumbles and missed opportunities.

For Botafogo, it’s a deserved spot in the knockout stage, earned through a blend of determination and discipline. Whether their defensive steel can carry them further in the competition remains to be seen — but for now, their resilience has carried them where Atlético could not go.