European Powerhouse Crashes Out of Club World Cup in Stunning Upset
The 2025 Club World Cup witnessed its first major upset in Group B, as Diego Simeone's Atlético Madrid crashed out during the group phase.
The Spanish club entered their final group match desperately needing a miracle. After suffering a devastating 4–0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in their opener, they faced a mountain to climb in their remaining fixtures.
Simeone's squad bounced back with a convincing 3–1 victory over Seattle Sounders, but Botafogo completely changed the group dynamics by delivering a stunning 1–0 upset against PSG. While the French champions were left reeling, the Madrid-based team suffered the most from this unexpected outcome.
The Spanish side, who finished third in La Liga during the 2024–25 season, required a victory margin of at least two goals against Botafogo in their final encounter to secure any chance of reaching the knockout rounds. Their alternative pathway to qualification depended on Seattle managing an improbable upset against PSG, which would have made a simple victory sufficient for Atlético to progress ahead of the Champions League winners.
Both scenarios failed to unfold. PSG handled their business efficiently, securing a comfortable win against Seattle. This result meant Atlético had to overcome Botafogo by multiple goals, yet Simeone's team only managed to break the deadlock in the 86th minute against the Brazilian outfit.
The match's closing moments witnessed Simeone's players launching desperate attacks, but the current Copa Libertadores champions displayed resolute defending and prevented a second goal from being scored. Atlético secured a 1–0 victory, yet Botafogo progressed to the round of 16 due to superior goal difference.
In the end, PSG, Botafogo and Atlético Madrid all finished with identical six-point tallies, but the Spanish club's humiliating loss to PSG proved decisive, leaving them with the poorest goal difference among the trio.
Group B had been labeled "the group of death" before the tournament commenced and lived up to its billing. Nevertheless, this represents a disappointing and early exit for Simeone's team. Expect harsh criticism to follow
Atlético back in Spain following their lackluster Club World Cup showing.
Club World Cup Group B Final Standings
Position | Team | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
1. | Paris Saint-Germain | 6 | +5 |
2. | Botafogo | 6 | +1 |
3. | Atlético Madrid | 6 | -1 |
4. | Seattle Sounders | 0 | -5 |
PSG claimed the top spot in Group B and will meet the runner-up from Group A, which is presently Inter Miami.
Botafogo will clash with Group A's winner, currently their Brazilian compatriots Palmeiras.