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Botafogo advanced to the Club World Cup last 16 despite a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, who were eliminated due to an inferior goal difference. Both teams had six points.
Atletico Madrid’s Argentine forward #22 Giuliano Simeone argues with Botafogo’s Brazilian goalkeeper #12 John (AFP)
Brazilian team Botafogo secured a spot in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Monday despite a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, which resulted in the Spanish side being eliminated.
Atletico, having suffered a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in their opening match, entered the final round of Group B fixtures needing a significant win to progress.
With PSG defeating the Seattle Sounders 2-0 in another Group B match, the challenge proved too much for Diego Simeone’s side during another intense midday game, watched by 22,992 fans at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.
Former France international Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal of the game, driving home a Julian Alvarez cross in the 87th minute, securing a victory that ultimately did not prevent Atletico’s exit.
Botafogo, who had stunned European champions PSG 1-0 in their second group match, finished the group stage in second place with six points, behind the French team, who led on goal difference.
Atletico also finished with six points but missed out on advancing due to an inferior goal difference compared to Botafogo.
“We’re frustrated that we didn’t qualify — we had six points,” Atletico coach Simeone said afterward. “At the end of the day, we were punished because it wasn’t enough. I’m proud of my players’ efforts. We played our hearts out; we won two games but, unfortunately, we are not going through.”
Botafogo, the South American champions, started strongly against Atletico, with the dynamic Venezuelan international Jefferson Savarino testing Jan Oblak in the opening minutes.
Atletico grew into the game and began to control possession and territory as the first half progressed.
Argentina international striker Alvarez had a promising chance in the 41st minute, but his shot deflected off Botafogo centre-half Alexander Barboza for a corner.
Atletico believed they had secured a crucial breakthrough just before half-time when Alvarez appeared to be kicked in the penalty area, prompting a video assistant referee check.
However, while Alvarez seemed to be fouled, the review identified a foul on Barboza during the build-up, and no penalty was awarded.
“None of the decisions went our way,” Simeone commented on the incident afterward.
In the second half, Atletico spent extended periods pressuring Botafogo, with the Brazilian side content to absorb the attacks.
The Rio de Janeiro team came closest to scoring in the 67th minute when Igor Jesus’s first-time volley from Cuiabano’s cross was parried away by Oblak for a corner.
Despite Griezmann scoring a late goal by capitalising on poor marking to finish Alvarez’s cross, it was too late for Atletico.
(with agency inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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