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Atlético ready for dramatic finale
- Atlético face Botafogo at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles in their final Group B outing
- Need to potentially win by a three-goal margin to progress beyond the group stage
- Diego Simeone’s charges have already managed that scoreline 12 times in the 2024-25 campaign
The image of Atlético de Madrid as a defensive powerhouse is beginning to slip. Known for their solidity, Los Colchoneros have shown uncharacteristic fragility of late. Diego Simeone’s side have conceded eight goals in their past five outings in all competitions. And yet, since 14 April, they have won six of ten, scoring at least three in each of those victories.
With their backs firmly against the wall ahead of their final group stage clash with Botafogo – with a place in the knockout stage at the FIFA Club World Cup™ at stake – Atleti will need a seventh win by similar margins to be sure of extending their stay in the United States, should Paris Saint-Germain defeat Seattle Sounders FC in the other group fixture, which will be played simultaneously. “We can do it,” insisted goalkeeper Jan Oblak. “We’ve got a team capable of great things; we can win 4-0.”
“We managed to win by at least three goals 12 times this season,” added Alexander Sorloth, who struggled against Paris Saint-Germain in the team's opening fixture and also drew a blank against Seattle Sounders FC. “Of course, as a striker, I want to bury every chance, but that’s not how it works. I’ve got to stay strong mentally. I’m 29, I’ve got plenty of experience, and I hope I can find the net [in this next match].”
If they are to overtake the Brazilians, who sit top of Group B with two wins from two, the Spanish side will have to look to both Sorloth and Julian Alvarez, to get the goals they need to turn things around.
“We’re strikers, so it’ll be our job to score – that’s what we’re there for,” said Sorloth. “But, ultimately, it’s as a team that we’ll find those goals.” It will also require collective discipline. Atlético will have to stay alert and avoid being caught out by Igor Jesus and company on the break.
Group permutations: Who can qualify for the knockout phase?
“We’re going to have to stay calm,” said Alvarez. “And above all, we can’t concede,” added Oblak. “If they get one, we’ll have to put away four,” Sorloth said. The Norwegian found the net 20 times in the 2024-25 campaign, including 12 as a substitute – equalling the super-sub record set by Spain’s Paco Alcacer during his 2018-19 spell with Borussia Dortmund.
“All the matches at this Club World Cup are tough, and the South American sides have become very strong,” added Alvarez. “It’s going to come down to the details, but we believe. We’re going to give it everything we’ve got and get the job done.”
