Atletico Madrid. The Brazilian side advanced thanks to their earlier results, with Atletico needing a win by at least three goals to qualify; a margin they never looked likely to reach.
In a match where clear-cut chances were scarce in the first half, Atletico manager Diego Simeone introduced Antoine Griezmann after the break in a bid to inject life into his team’s attack.
The French forward nearly made an immediate impact, hitting the post from a tight angle. Alexander Sorloth, the tournament’s top xG performer coming into the game, squandered a golden opportunity by heading wide from close range.
Atletico finally broke through in the closing minutes, with Griezmann firing home from inside the area, but the goal came too late to alter their fate.
Botafogo’s organized, disciplined defending held firm for most of the night, and though they lost the match, they achieved their objective of progression.
With PSG’s win over Seattle, Botafogo finish second in Group B and will face the winners of Group A in the round of 16, likely to be either Inter Miami or Palmeiras. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, exit the tournament at the group stage.
