Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has opened up on the reasons behind the team’s exit from the 2025 Club World Cup.
The Spanish team recorded a 1-0 win over Brazilian side Botafogo thanks to a late goal by Antoine Griezmann in the 87th minute.
However, the victory was not enough to help them qualify for the second round of the competition despite earning six points from three matches.
They missed out on a place in the round of 16 due to goals difference as Botafogo finished in second while Atletico Madrid ended in third.
European Champions PSG finished top of the group with six points and a better goal difference following a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders.
Botafogo will face fellow Brazilian side Palmeiras, who won Group A, in the last 16.
Diego Simeone said the group was the most difficult group in the competition.
He said: “People will say that we got knocked out, but it was the most difficult group, and we are out on goal difference.
“We are used to this. We have Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga and we always qualify for the Champions League.
“We had a difficult group, with the winners of the Champions League and the Libertadores. And we had the same points as them… But yes, we are calm. We know what we have to improve on.”
PSG will take on Inter Miami in the second round after the Lionel Messi-led side earned a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras.
Palmeiras topped Group A with five points, same as Inter Miami in second while Porto finished third, and Al Ahly ended in fourth.
