Simeone admits Atletico were doomed since Club World Cup opener

Diego Simeone said Atlético Madrid were “doomed” by their opening defeat to PSG after exiting the Club World Cup on goal difference. Atlético beat Botafogo 1–0 in their final Group B match thanks to Antoine Griezmann’s late strike but needed a three-goal margin to qualify. All three teams, Atlético, Botafogo, and PSG, finished on six…

INMR

June 23, 2025

1–2 minutes

2024/25, Atletico Madrid, Atletico Madrid vs Botafogo, Botafogo, Club World Cup, CWC, Diego Simeone, FIFA, football, Griezmann, Match Report, Press Conference, report, soccer, sports

Diego Simeone said Atlético Madrid were “doomed” by their opening defeat to PSG after exiting the Club World Cup on goal difference.

Atlético beat Botafogo 1–0 in their final Group B match thanks to Antoine Griezmann’s late strike but needed a three-goal margin to qualify. All three teams, Atlético, Botafogo, and PSG, finished on six points, with Atleti eliminated due to inferior goal difference.

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Simeone didn’t hold back in his assessment.

“We have the feeling of frustration at not being able to progress,” he said. “Getting six points in the group was not bad, but we were doomed by the match against PSG, where every decision always hurt us.”

Atlético had 23 shots and dominated possession, but couldn’t convert until the 87th minute. Simeone pointed to a penalty call overturned by VAR as another moment that didn’t go their way.

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He praised the effort from his side, especially after a long season.

“We gave everything,” he added. “Proud of the boys’ work. Sadly, it wasn’t enough.”

A frustrating night in Orlando ends their Club World Cup run and Simeone’s words linger: “We were doomed.”

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Written by Pejuola Ransome