Atletico Madrid and Botafogo will play their last match of Group B of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena on June 23rd, 2025, at 20:00 GMT.
Botafogo have made a strong start with two wins out of two as they look to consolidate their position at the top of the group heading into the Round of 16. Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, are tied in second with Paris Saint-Germain but have an inferior goal difference of 5.
As can be seen on football stats, Atletico Madrid has never faced Botafogo in a competitive match, making this an intriguing first encounter. However, their experience in high-stakes European competitions might give them an edge in this match. Simeone’s men have won three of their last four matches but lost two of their last four away games in La Liga.
Botafogo, fresh off their 2024 Copa Libertadores triumph under head coach Renato Paiva, have been in formidable form of late, winning their last five matches across all competitions. Their attacking threat, led by former MLS star Jefferson Savarino, is their main strength, although they have also kept three clean sheets in their last five matches.
Botafogo’s historic debut in the FIFA Club World Cup is a huge milestone, but they’re up against a tough opponent from La Liga. After pulling off an incredible upset against Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, Botafogo are confident and look ready to make their mark with three wins out of three.
Atletico Madrid FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Paris Saint-Germain: 0-4 (L) 15/06/2025
- Seattle Sounders: 3-1 (W) 19/06/2025
Atletico Madrid Form (All Competitions):
- W (H) 3-2 against Ceara (Serie A) 05/06/25
- W (A) 1-0 against Santos (Serie A) 01/06/25
- W (H) 1-0 against Universidad de Chile (Copa Libertadores) 28/05/25
- L (A) 0-1 against Capital (Copa Do Brasil) 23/05/25
- D (A) 0-0 against Flamengo (Serie A) 18/05/25
Botafogo FIFA Club World Cup form:
- Seattle Sounders: 2-1 (W) 16/06/2025
- Paris Saint-Germain: 1-0 (W) 20/06/2025
Botafogo Form (All Competitions):
- W (H) 3-2 against Ceara (Serie A) 05/06/25
- W (A) 1-0 against Santos (Serie A) 01/06/25
- W (H) 1-0 against Universidad de Chile (Copa Libertadores) 28/05/25
- L (A) 0-1 against Capital (Copa Do Brasil) 23/05/25
- D (A) 0-0 against Flamengo (Serie A) 18/05/25
Team News
Atletico Madrid could see Conor Gallagher return to the starting XI after being a substitute against PSG, potentially replacing Koke in midfield, as the Atletico captain is a fitness doubt due to a muscle injury. Julián Álvarez and Antoine Griezmann are expected to lead the attack, with Alexander Sørloth as a possible option off the bench.
Defenders Javi Galan, Jose Gimenez, Robin Le Normand and Marcos Llorente are likely to feature in the back four with Jan Oblak in goal.
For Botafogo, Jefferson Savarino is expected to start on the left wing, supporting striker Igor Jesus. Gregore and Marlon Freitas should anchor the midfield, while Alex Telles is likely to feature at left-back. The Brazilian side could choose to rotate their squad in this clash, allowing fringe players to feature. However, injuries look likely to rule out Bastos, Matheus Martins, Hugo and Jeffinho.
Atletico Madrid Possible Starting Lineup:
Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Le Normand, Galan; Simeone, Gallagher, De Paul, Barrios; Álvarez, Griezmann
Botafogo Possible Starting Lineup:
Victor; Vitinho, Jair, Barboza, Telles; Gregore, Freitas, Allan; Savarino, Jesus, Artur
We Say: Atletico Madrid 2-1 Botafogo
Atletico Madrid’s experience and tactical discipline under Simeone should give them the upper hand, but Botafogo’s attacking threat, led by Jesus and Savarino, could make this a close contest. The Brazilian side’s defensive vulnerabilities, however, are likely to be exposed by Atletico’s potent attack. A narrow victory for Atletico seems the most likely outcome, keeping them in contention for a knockout spot.
