Atletico s Club World Cup exit is latest setback to Simeone s reign

LOS ANGELES – Atletico Madrid will have to pick themselves up again as they pack their 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 were eliminated despite a 1-0 victory over Brazil’s Botafogo in their final Group B match on June 23, as they 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 their ambitions in Fifa’s revamped multi-million dollar showcase.

Atletico 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 lacklustre 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 Simeones best years, when they reached