Botafogo advances to the round of 16, and the Spanish press criticizes the refereeing: “They didn’t let them”

Atlético de Madrid wins with a late goal, but is eliminated; Spanish newspapers talk about ignored penalties and “foretold death”

Botafogo is qualified for the round of 16 of the Club World Cup, even after being defeated 1-0 by Atlético de Madrid, this Monday (23), in a match valid for the third round of Group B. The solitary goal, scored by Griezmann in the 41st minute of the second half, guaranteed the Spanish victory, but it was not enough to avoid the elimination of the colchoneros.

With the result, the Spanish club finished third in the group, behind PSG (1st) and Botafogo (2nd). The international press, especially the Spanish one, strongly reported on the game — and did not spare criticism of the refereeing.

📰 Criticism from the Spanish press: “They didn't let us”

The traditional newspaper "AS" classified the refereeing's performance as decisive in the result. In a direct headline, it stated that “Atlético didn’t make it and they didn’t let them”, alluding to alleged penalties not awarded in favor of the Spanish team, especially in plays involving striker Julián Álvarez.

“Atlético pressed, had more offensive volume and could have come away with the classification. But the referee ignored three clear plays in the area. The feeling of injustice is inevitable”, commented the newspaper.

The newspaper “Marca” adopted a more acidic tone, stating that “Atlético was already leaving: there was no need to send them off”, alluding to the feeling that the club was harmed in its last attempt to remain in the competition.

🇦🇷 International repercussion: shock and surprise

In Argentina, the newspaper “Olé” highlighted the early elimination of the Spanish club with the headline: “Shock: Atlético de Madrid is eliminated from the Club World Cup in the group stage”, drawing attention to the contrast between the European team’s investment and its disappointing performance.

Other media outlets also analyzed the scenario:

"Mundo Deportivo" (Spain): “Chronicle of a death foretold for Atlético” — the newspaper highlighted that the team's poor form was already giving signs of an early decline.

"Sport" (Spain): “A discouraged Atlético manages to get a victory that is not enough to avoid elimination” — emphasizing that the team played with little intensity and scored the winning goal too late.

⚽ Group situation and upcoming challenges

With PSG's victory over Al-Duhail, Group B ended with the following classification:

PSG – 7 points

Botafogo – 6 points

Atlético de Madrid – 4 points

Al-Duhail – 0 points

Botafogo is now preparing for the round of 16 duel, where it will face the second-placed team in Group F, yet to be defined. Atlético, one of Europe's great hopes, bid farewell to the tournament early and with heavy criticism both of its own performance and of the way the referees conducted the game.

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