Atletico and PSG Trapped in Group B Hell

LOS ANGELES, SUNDAY - The surprise team from Brazil, Botafogo, has drastically altered the competitive landscape of Group B in the 2025 Club World Cup. The favored teams, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, are under pressure ahead of the final match. Atletico finds itself in the most difficult position as it must win by three goals against Botafogo.

Group B promises a thrilling climax to the competition until the end of the group stage. Botafogo (6 points), PSG (3 points), Atletico (3 points), and Seattle Sounders (0 points) still have the chance to succeed or fail in advancing to the round of 16. Their fate will be determined in the final match of the group stage on Tuesday (24/6/2025) at 02:00 WIB.

Atletico will face Botafogo at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles, while PSG will be awaited by the host Sounders at Lumen Field Stadium in Seattle. The Sounders are the only team that does not control their own fate or must also rely on other results if they wish to advance.

Atletico can qualify directly for the knockout stage, but they need a victory by at least three goals. The goal difference record of Coach Diego Simeone's team is very poor, standing at -2, due to their defeat of four goals to none against PSG in the first group match. Their goal difference is significantly behind Botafogo (+2) and PSG (+3).

"We have to score a lot of goals and we are already thinking about how to do it. It's up to us. We have to put in a great performance, do everything right and make the most of every chance we get," Atletico forward Julian Alvarez told AS.

The mission is difficult for Atletico, but not impossible. They managed to win by a margin of at least three goals a total of 12 times last season, including in four of the last six matches in La Liga. The striker duo of Alexander Sorloth and Alvarez has become the mainstay.

The problem is that Sorloth and Alvarez have yet to make an impact during the Club World Cup. Both players have not contributed any goals after two matches. Furthermore, Botafogo's defense has proven to be very solid, having conceded only one goal from two group matches.

Playing against us will be more motivation for the opposing team. We have to be better. - Luis Enrique -

Botafogo's defense, strengthened by former Manchester United wing-back Alex Telles, has proven its mettle by recording a clean sheet in their 1-0 victory over PSG. They successfully withstood 16 shots from the UEFA Champions League winners.

Botafogo coach Renato Paiva stated that they are not intimidated at all by the big names of European teams. The victory over PSG has provided additional confidence for his team. "It is all about believing in oneself. We have a strong team spirit," he said.

On the other hand, Atletico must be wary of Botafogo's striker, Igor Jesus. The player, who has made four appearances for the Brazilian national team, has already scored two goals, including the winning goal against PSG. Jesus's agility and technical skills pose a threat in transition situations.

Botafogo only needs a draw to become the champion of Group B. Although they have a great chance of advancing to the knockout stage, they are not entirely safe yet. Jesus and his teammates could be eliminated if they lose by three goals to Atletico and PSG wins against the Sounders.

PSG, on paper, can overcome the Sounders. However, they must not underestimate their opponents as they did in the previous match. When defeated by Botafogo, PSG Coach Luis Enrique rotated many key players, such as wing-back Nuno Mendes and midfielder Joao Neves.

The Sounders indeed lost in their first two matches. Interestingly, they consistently outnumbered their opponents in terms of shots taken. The issue for the Sounders lies in their finishing. The home team always plays very aggressively, supported directly by tens of thousands of spectators.

Enrique stated that PSG must be extra focused in every match due to their status as "Kings of Europe." Playing against us will serve as additional motivation for the opposing team. We must be able to perform even better. That is my message to the players since the beginning of the week (when the Club World Cup) started," he said.

The Sounders can advance to the knockout stage if they manage to win by at least three goals against PSG and Atletico loses to Botafogo. Although this scenario is difficult to achieve, the Sounders players, including midfielder Albert Rusnak, remain enthusiastic about facing the final match.

"Achieving a good result in the upcoming match will be very significant. Although it may not mean much in this competition, it can be very meaningful for us to progress in the local competition. Matches like that may be remembered after retirement and when you have grandchildren," said Rusnak. (AP/REUTERS)