Tournament exit raises questions about Simeone's Atletico reign

PASADENA, California — Atletico Madrid will have to pick itself up again as it packs its bags to travel back home earlier than most expected from the Club World Cup, after being knocked out of the tournament in the group stage.

Diego Simeone's side was eliminated, despite a 1-0 victory over Brazil's Botafogo in its final Group B match on Monday, as it finished third in the so-called group of death, level on six points with Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo, but falling short on goal difference.

The damage was largely inflicted in that opening 4-0 thrashing by PSG, a scoreline that would ultimately prove fatal to its ambitions in FIFA's revamped multimillion dollar showcase.

Simeone's men arrived in the United States with high hopes, boasting a squad that included Argentinian forward Julian Alvarez, former France captain Antoine Griezmann, and several other international names.

However, their heavy loss to PSG, and lackluster performances overall, raised further questions about the team's direction under their long-serving manager.

Reflecting on the campaign, Simeone expressed pride in his players' efforts, but lamented what he deemed poor officiating.

"Proud of the boys' work. We gave absolutely everything we had. We won two out of three matches, and, even so, sadly, we're out," he told DAZN after the Botafogo win.

"With six points, it wasn't bad, but the match against PSG condemned us, where every refereeing decision always went against us. Today's game also had a penalty decision overturned after a VAR review. It's more of the same. We know what we need to improve, and this will help us move forward."

Griezmann was the standout performer against Botafogo, scoring the decisive goal and providing a rare spark for a side that has struggled to replicate the defensive prowess seen in Simeone's best years, when it reached two Champions League finals.

Despite dominating possession, Atletico rarely troubled Botafogo's organized defense, and needed its goalkeeper Jan Oblak to work his magic against its Brazilian rival to avoid a worse result.

The previous defeat by PSG had already exposed familiar weaknesses, including frail defending against wide players and a lack of creativity in the final third — issues that have plagued Atletico over four consecutive trophyless seasons.

Blaming the refereeing, rather than facing its own issues, will seem like a tough pill to swallow for Atletico fans, as this latest disappointment heaps further pressure on Simeone, Europe's highest-paid manager, as he prepares for his 14th season in charge of the Madrid side.

Critics and fans alike are questioning whether the Argentine's leadership can still inspire a squad that has stagnated in both domestic and European competitions.

With an off-season of introspection ahead, Atletico faces mounting challenges to rebuild and reclaim its status as a contender on all fronts.

Due respect

Botafogo, on the other hand, has defied its critics by making it to the Club World Cup last 16, captain Marlon Freitas said, even after the loss to Atletico on Monday.

Freitas emphasized the achievement of advancing to the knockout stage from what was, arguably, the toughest group.

"Sure, we wanted to win, and I think we had our chances. We knew how to defend, and I believe we deserved at least a draw. Conceding that late goal was heartbreaking, because we wanted to finish top of the group," Freitas told TV Globo.

"However, we should celebrate because, before the tournament started, everyone thought we had no chance against two top opponents from Europe. We've shown the value of Brazilian football. We are champions of South America, and we deserve respect."

Veteran defender Alex Telles echoed Freitas' comments.

"PSG and Atletico showed us more respect than most fans and pundits did. The team did what it had to do to advance to the next stage.

"Here we are, those who some said came to see Mickey in Disneyland, through to the round of 16 from the group of death. Qualifying shows the work done by this incredible group of men."

Botafogo will face Group A winner and fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras on Saturday, while Lionel Messi will enjoy a reunion with his old club PSG when the European Champion faces Inter Miami on Sunday.

Reuters