PASADENA, Calif. (BN24) — European giants Atletico Madrid suffered an early and stunning exit from the FIFA Club World Cup on Monday, crashing out in the group stage despite a narrow victory over Brazilian champions Botafogo at the Rose Bowl.
Atletico’s hopes were dashed as Paris Saint-Germain sealed a 2-0 win over MLS side Seattle Sounders in a simultaneous Group B match, propelling the French side into the last 16 as group winners. Botafogo, despite the loss, advanced as group runners-up due to goal differential.
Antoine Griezmann struck late to secure a 1-0 win for Atletico Madrid in Pasadena, but the effort proved futile. Diego Simeone’s side entered the final matchday needing a victory and a favorable result in the PSG-Sounders game. While the win came, the math didn’t — PSG’s dominant performance left Atletico on the outside looking in.
The result marks a bitter disappointment for the Champions League semifinalists, who were widely expected to contend for the Club World Cup title. Instead, they become the first major European club eliminated in the group phase of this expanded global tournament.
With clinical finishes and composed play, PSG topped the group thanks to a confident win over the Seattle Sounders, confirming their status as title favorites. Their victory ensured a perfect record in Group B and safe passage into the knockout rounds.
Despite their defeat to Atletico, Botafogo’s earlier win and goal advantage were enough to send them through. The Brazilian side now joins PSG in the round of 16, while Atletico Madrid are left to ponder a missed opportunity on the global stage.
