Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, Botafogo secured a spot in the Club World Cup last 16. The team from Rio de Janeiro had done just enough earlier in the tournament to advance, even though they were pushed to second place in Group B after the final round of matches.
Throughout the match, Botafogo found themselves on the back foot, especially in the second half. Atletico Madrid kept the pressure high, forcing Glorioso to defend deep for long stretches. Though Botafogo had their chances, particularly through Savarino and Igor Jesus, Jan Oblak was up to the task.
Their best attacking moment came early in the first half. Igor Jesus threaded a beautiful through ball to Savarino, who broke free on the counter, only to be denied by a brilliant save. Despite glimpses of control in the opening stages, Botafogo gradually retreated after the cooling break.
Atletico, needing a three-goal margin to top the group, were relentless in their pursuit. They came closest through a Sorloth header that drifted just wide, while John in Botafogo’s goal remained largely untested until late in the game.
The deciding goal came in the 86th minute. Julián Álvarez beat his man down the right flank and sent in a precise cross that found Griezmann unmarked in the box. His cool finish gave Atletico the win and pushed Botafogo down to second place behind PSG, who were expected to beat Seattle Sounders.
Adding to Botafogo’s woes, midfielder Gregore received a yellow card for time-wasting after the goal, ruling him out of the upcoming last-16 clash. This further highlighted the team’s ultra-defensive posture, which ultimately backfired.
Even with the defeat, Botafogo only needed to avoid losing by three goals to qualify. A draw would have seen them top the group, but they now face a tougher path forward in the knockout stages of the competition.