🔊 Will Brazilian teams continue to impress at the FIFA Club World Cup? Botafogo have emerged as one of the tournament's standout surprises. Heading into the final round of the group stage, the "Lone Star" lead a group featuring two European powerhouses. To secure their place in the playoffs, they simply need to avoid defeat against Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. However, this task is far from easy, as bookmakers have pegged the "Colchoneros" as clear favorites for the upcoming clash.

Head-to-Head

📊 Atlético and Botafogo will face off in their first head-to-head encounter.

Atletico Madrid Team Overview

🔴 Atletico arrived in the USA with plenty of motivation, having finished the season without any silverware. However, in their opening match, the team failed to show the necessary drive, succumbing to PSG in a lackluster 0-4 defeat. Although Julian Alvarez found the net, his goal was rightly disallowed due to a foul, and apart from that, they managed to create only a handful of opportunities. Their opponents were significantly stronger.

🔵 In the second round, we witnessed a completely different side of the Madrid team. They secured a modest 3-1 victory over Seattle Sounders, but in terms of dangerous chances, the match was anything but equal. Diego Simeone's squad generated an impressive 3.31 xG and hit the woodwork three times. The standout performer was Pablo Barrios, who scored twice.

Botafogo FR Team Overview

⚫ There were hopes that the reigning Copa Libertadores champions would fight for a playoff spot even in such a tough group, but few expected Botafogo to defeat PSG. What's most surprising is that in their opening match against Seattle (2-1), Renato Paiva's side allowed their opponents plenty of opportunities and won somewhat undeservedly. However, in their clash with Paris, the "Lone Star" delivered a true masterclass in defense. Yes, the opposition held 75% possession, but what use is that if they posed minimal threat to John Victor's goal?

🔝 Meanwhile, Botafogo's players showed they don't need numerous chances themselves. Igor Jesus broke away on a counterattack and scored after a solo run, albeit with the help of a deflection. The Brazilian was named the man of the match. Let's not forget, he also netted the winning goal against Seattle. He is truly the team's X-factor.

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Atletico Madrid

❗ 8.19% – that's the probability Opta assigns to Atletico Madrid making it to the knockout stage of the Club World Cup.

🎙 "We started the match brilliantly, creating numerous chances in the first half-hour. The team looked confident, but after the opponent's goal, the game became more tense. Nevertheless, we knew what needed to be done and managed to secure the result we wanted. I'm pleased with the victory. As for Botafogo, they are a team with character, strong defenders, and quick forwards. We need a big performance – a win by three goals," stated Diego Simeone, understanding that the crucial match awaits his team in the third round.

✅ All Atletico players are fit. There are no injuries, and Clément Lenglet has served his suspension for the red card received in the game against PSG.

Botafogo FR

🎙 Botafogo coach Renato Paiva: "We defeated PSG using their own tactics. We played as a cohesive unit, everyone defended, and everyone attacked together. That's the big secret of PSG, why they achieve success and win. This team teaches a lesson to everyone in football. I told my players to simply be a team, enjoy the game, play together, attack together, and defend together. We showcased the quality of Brazilian players and coaches. This victory belongs to all the coaches working with exceptional footballers in Brazil."

📝 The Telegraph reports that Nottingham Forest have set their sights on two Botafogo stars – Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha – with a combined transfer fee of around £30 million. The players are expected to undergo medical examinations after the conclusion of the Club World Cup.

❌ Forwards Matheus Martins and Jeffinho, along with defender Bastos, have not been on the pitch for quite some time. There are no other absences for the nominal visitors.

⚽️ Goal Prediction

⚽️ Goal Prediction

This match sees one team needing to score plenty while the other can afford to sit back. Given Botafogo's playing style and Atletico's struggles against defensive setups, we don't anticipate a high-scoring affair. We suggest betting on under 3.5 goals, a bet that has come through in 6 of Botafogo's last 7 matches.

🚩 Corner Prediction

Set-pieces will be crucial for Diego Simeone's side in this upcoming match. Atletico's position in the standings demands they push forward, and it would be surprising if they don't outdo their opponents in corner kicks. Notably, Botafogo players have only taken one corner in the past two rounds. A win for Atletico on corners looks like a well-founded bet.

Atletico find themselves in a tough spot. PSG are almost certain to defeat Seattle in the parallel match, which means the "Rojiblancos" need to beat Botafogo by three goals to advance to the playoffs. Considering the solid defense that is the hallmark of the Brazilian team, this task seems, if not impossible, then extremely challenging. We doubt that in their current form, the Madrid side can pull off such a feat, especially since their defensive line is far from impressive.

Our editorial believes that the "Lone Star" has what it takes to navigate the group stage without a loss. Atletico will likely dominate possession, but positional attacks are not their forte, whereas Renato Paiva's side should find their opportunity on a counterattack. Based on this analysis, a 1-1 draw seems likely, so our main bet is on both teams to score (yes).