Atletico Madrid 1–0 Botafogo Player Ratings: Antoine Griezmann’s Late Winner in Vain as Brazilian Club Reach Club World Cup Knockouts

Atletico Madrid crashed out of the FIFA Club World Cup despite a late 1-0 victory against Botafogo. Such were the fine margins in Group B as goal difference helped the Brazilian side make it to the next round despite losing the tie. After a dull offensive display from the Spaniards, Botafogo, who defended their hearts out, were on the brink of going into the knockouts. A late goal from Antoine Griezmann gave them some hope, but it wasn't enough as they needed one more goal.

Atletico Madrid laid siege to Botafogo's goal, knowing they needed nothing but 3 points with a superior goal difference from this clash. However, it wasn't going to be easy as the Brazilian side impressively shut out PSG. The Spaniards had a couple of early chances, but Botafogo got into their groove and started creating quality chances. Alvarez had a couple of shots go wide and even a penalty appeal denied. The first half ended scoreless as Atletico were staring at a group stage exit at the Club World Cup, their first time of asking.

Antoine Griezmann came on as a halftime substitute as Diego Simeone didn't want to waste his Ace card. The French superstar couldn't help his side as Atletico failed to create quality chances. They held possession in dangerous areas but managed to do very little. On the contrary, Igor Jesus was whiskers away from scoring one on the break for them, but Jan Oblak denied him well.

Griezmann was the hero eventually as he converted an Alvarez cutback to score late in the game. There were muted celebrations as his side needed yet another goal to make it. Despite some late pressure, there was no respite for Atletico Madrid, who were poor offensively.

Here are the Atletico Madrid vs Botafogo Player Ratings.

Atletico Madrid Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Jan Oblak-7/10

Produced a crucial save in a 1v1 by making himself bigger to keep his side in the game. A reaction save in the second half was even better.

Defenders

Marcos Llorente-6.5/10

Was caught out of position several times as he tried to push too high to help his side in attack. His crosses weren't threatening the opposition as well.

Robin le Normand-7/10

His lack of pace was evident on the breaks, but he made up for it with his presence. Very dominant in duels.

Clement Lenglet-7/10

Used his experience to get the ball out quickly. Lenglet's defensive positioning helped his side a lot.

Javi Galan-7/10

Was a lively presence on the left wing, running endlessly between attack and defence. The quality of it could've been easily better.

Midfielders

Giuliano Simeone-6/10

Switched flanks and tried different tricks, but Simeone couldn't get past Alex Telles and provide for his side.

Rodrigo de Paul-6.5/10

His passing boot was quite missing as he displaced some simple and even ambitious passes. Won the ball back with his nitty gritty a lot.

Pablo Barrios-7/10

Lined up a decent shot from outside the box on target. He was silky with the ball as he created some chances.

Conor Gallagher-5.5/10

Started out wide but drifted inwards to create an impact. Missed a decent opportunity from a setpiece. Was replaced at the break for an attacker.

Forwards

Alexander Sorloth-6.5/10

Sorloth played the role of a targetman as his side crossed and went long. Couldn't convert some chances, though.

Julian Alvarez-8/10

Despite missing out on goals, Julian Alvarez remains at the top of Atletico Madrid player ratings. Displayed great secondary forward instincts by dropping deep and finding himself isolated in the box. Had a couple of high-quality chances that he failed to take. Played a fine cross for Griezmann to convert.

Substitutes

Antoine Griezmann-7/10

Griezmann headlines the Atletico Madrid vs Botafogo player ratings. The Frenchman picked up the pace right after coming on the pitch and scored one late for his side.

Angel Correa-6/10

Koke-6/10

Nahuel Molina-6/10

Samuel Lino-6/10

Manager

Diego Simeone-5/10

The manager desperately needed to make a fast start. But his side wasn't able to make inroads against a well-drilled Botafogo defense. His side was picked apart on the break as well. The second half was an eye sore as his side couldn't create chances at all despite scoring a late goal.

Botafogo Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

John Victor-7.5/10

Showed a lot of authority to command his box and claim some risky crosses and through balls. Wasn't really tested by the opposition.

Defenders

Vitinho-6/10

Had a very mixed game as he had his moments defensively. Couldn't contribute much to the offence, though.

Jair Cunha-7/10

Cunha did his own well by winning some good tackles. Especially his ground defending was well-disciplined.

Alexander Barboza-8/10

Barboza was one of the top players in Botafogo player ratings. Used his physicality excellently as he kept the forwards out. Showed great composure to win his aerials without conceding a penalty.

Alex Telles-7/10

Pushed forward every time he had a chance and crossed to create some chances with set pieces. He was strong defensively as well.

Midfielders

Marlon Freitas-6.5/10

He often dropped very deep to add as an additional defender and keep his side's clean sheet. Drove will the ball well but didn't find the final pass.

Gregore-6/10

Parked himself on the edge of both boxes, but couldn't perform any duty to perfection. Got away with a risky duel that could've almost resulted in a penalty to the opposition

Allan-6.5/10

Struggled with the physicality of Atletico's midfield as he was losing duels frequently. His usual safe passing was off the mark as well.

Forwards

Artur Guimaraes-5/10

Had a single blocked shot that didn't lead to anything. He was giving the ball away multiple times and failed to generate any threat.

Igor Jesus-6.55/10

His ploy of holding the ball didn't work out well as Atletico's centre-backs handled him well. Almost scored a stunning volley on the break in the second half.

Savarinho-6.5/10

Had a brilliant 1v1, but he was denied by Oblak. Caused problems all game long with his pace.

Substitutes

Newton-6/10

Cuiabano-6/10

Alvaro Montoro-6/10

Matro Ponte-6/10

Santiago Rodriguez-6/10

Manager

Renato Paiva-8/10

Defence was his side's first priority as he knew a draw would do. His side huffed and puffed but got the job half done after the first half. The second half was controlled chaos as they defended and countered well in equal measure.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match: Alexander Barboza