Atletico Madrid became the first European team to be eliminated from the FIFA Club World Cup, bowing out despite grinding out a late 1-0 win over Brazilian champions Botafogo in Pasadena.
The result saw Botafogo secure second place in the group, even as their impressive five-match winning run came to an end.
Needing a margin of victory of at least three goals to stay in contention, depending on other results, Diego Simeone’s men were off the pace in the opening stages, as Botafogo appeared composed and in control.
The game’s first real opportunity came just nine minutes in when Jefferson Savarino surged through on goal.
However, with Jan Oblak quickly closing in, the forward was unable to keep his cool. Spooked by the imposing figure of Jan Oblak bearing down on him, he could only produce a timid finish which was easily saved.
Atletico responded just before halftime, carving out a golden opportunity of their own. Julian Alvarez found space inside the six-yard box but failed to make it count. Julian Alvarez shanked his effort wide after turning on the edge of the six-yard box.
A flashpoint came in first-half stoppage time when VAR advised an on-field review for a possible foul on Alvarez. After a long check, the decision went against the Spanish side.
Alexander Sørloth was penalised for a foul in the build-up and the teams went into the break at 0-0.
Simeone made a bold change for the second half, bringing on Antoine Griezmann to ignite the attack. Although Atletico showed more intent, Botafogo remained solid at the back, frustrating their opponents.
Sørloth came close to breaking the deadlock just after the hour, meeting a driven cross in the box. Yet, his header missed the mark. He didn’t connect with his header and glanced the ball well wide of the target.
Botafogo continued to pose a counter-attacking threat, with Oblak called into action once more to keep Igor Jesus at bay.
Oblak had to look alive again to produce an outstanding stop to deny Igor Jesus.
At last, the breakthrough came in the 87th minute. Griezmann latched onto a loose ball and rifled it into the net. Griezmann smashed home from close range.
But it was too little, too late for Atletico, whose earlier 4-0 hammering by PSG proved fatal to their hopes.
With Botafogo progressing via superior goal difference, they now await the winner of Group A in the semifinals.
If Palmeiras hold onto their lead in that group, fans could be treated to a fiery all-Brazilian showdown.
