Club World Cup: PSG advances, Atletico fails

Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup – but the major tournament also has its first high-profile casualty. Spanish top club Atletico Madrid managed a 1-0 (0-0) win against Botafogo FR from Rio de Janeiro on the final matchday of the group stage, but that wasn't enough in the tight Group B. At the same time, Paris sealed the deal with a 2-0 (1-0) victory against the Seattle Sounders from the USA.

PSG finished first in their group of four. Botafogo, winners of the South American Copa Libertadores, also advanced to the last 16 in second place. Atletico were eliminated in third place, although all three teams have six points.

However, the Spanish side would have needed a bigger win against Botafogo, because in the Club World Cup, head-to-head counts when two teams are level on points – and Atletico suffered a decisive 4-0 defeat to Paris in their opening game. Antoine Griezmann (87') scored late to put Atletico 1-0 ahead. Botafogo once again defended strongly, conceding only two goals from the Brazilians during the group stage. The team from Rio also had plenty of chances to score against Madrid.

Paris faced a much more defensively minded opponent, but Seattle couldn't keep the clean sheet for long. Chwitscha Kwarazchelia (35') scored in the first half, and former Dortmund player Achraf Hakimi (66') added another after the break.

RND/SID