PSG and Botafogo Advance as Atlético Madrid Crash Out in Club World Cup Group B Tie

Paris Saint Germain secured their place in the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage with a 2–0 win over Seattle Sounders, while Atletico Madrid were heartbreakingly eliminated despite a 1–0 victory over Botafogo. The dramatic finish to Group B saw PSG, Botafogo, and Atlético Madrid all end the group stage with six points, but goal difference ultimately decided who advanced.

At Lumen Field in Seattle, the hosts came out aggressively, pressing PSG and creating early half-chances. However, PSG's composure and experience soon took control. The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when Vitinha ’s shot took a heavy deflection off K. Kvaratskhelia and beat the goalkeeper, giving the French side the lead.

In the second half, Seattle pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but were punished on the counter. In the 66th minute, B. Barcola broke down the left and squared the ball to A. Hakimi, who calmly slotted home the second. PSG managed the rest of the game professionally, earning a second consecutive clean sheet and finishing the group stage with six points and a +5 goal difference.

Meanwhile, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Atletico Madrid knew they had to beat Botafogo by at least three goals to progress. Despite a dominant performance, they only managed a late goal in the 87th minute from A. Griezmann, sealing a 1–0 win that left them short in the tiebreaker.

The final Group B standings saw PSG, Botafogo, and Atlético Madrid all tied with six points, but PSG (+5) and Botafogo (+1) advanced due to superior goal difference. Atlético Madrid, despite their win, finished with a goal difference of 0 and were eliminated.

Botafogo had entered the match with momentum following their stunning 1–0 win over PSG in the opening round. Though they couldn’t score against Atlético, their earlier results including a 2–0 win over Seattle were enough to send the Brazilian side through in second place.

Seattle, meanwhile, exited the tournament without a win, finishing bottom of Group B with zero points.

It’s a stunning outcome for Atlético Madrid, who become the first major European side to be eliminated in the group stage of the new 32-team Club World Cup format despite winning two matches. For PSG and Botafogo, however, it’s a step closer to international glory.

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