Botafogo have secured a place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup, eliminating Atletico Madrid despite a narrow 1-0 loss to the Spanish giants.
Atletico entered the match needing to win by at least three goals to progress but were unable to break down the Brazilian side’s disciplined defense for most of the game.
After a goalless first half with few clear chances, Atletico manager Diego Simeone introduced Antoine Griezmann in the second half to inject urgency into the attack. The French forward nearly made an instant impact, striking the post from a tight angle after a surging run down the left.
Alexander Sørloth, who came into the match with the highest expected goals (xG) in the tournament, missed a golden opportunity by heading wide from close range.
Griezmann eventually found the breakthrough late in the match, scoring from inside the box. However, the lone goal was not enough to overturn the goal difference, and Atletico bowed out of the competition.
Botafogo advance and will face the Group A winners in the round of 16, while Simeone’s side exits the tournament at the group stage.
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