Atletico Madrid must win to avoid an early exit
Only victory can see Atletico Madrid avoid an early exit at the Club World Cup today, when the Spanish side complete their Group B campaign against first-placed Botafogo.
Atleti recovered from their heavy opening defeat to take maximum points last time out, but the Brazilians conquered mighty Paris Saint-Germain and only need a draw to progress.
Going into their final group game at the new-look Club World Cup, Atletico Madrid’s fate is far from clear – but they do remain masters of their own destiny.
With one Group B game to play, third-placed Atleti are level on points with PSG and three behind Botafogo, potentially making the final matchday very complicated.
If, as expected, the recent UEFA Champions League winners defeat Seattle, then Simeone’s men must win by three goals at the Rose Bowl, in order to reverse their goal difference deficit.
Only goals against tied teams count in the final analysis, so if all three contenders end up on six points, Atleti’s 4-0 defeat to PSG could prove costly.
Without doubt, the Madrid club will face a tough task even to beat opponents who are full of confidence from toppling the European champions.
Diego Simeone may not make many changes for Atletico Madrid’s final group game, but Antoine Griezmann is likely to be recalled alongside Julian Alvarez, meaning super-sub Alexander Sorloth would drop back down to the bench.
Having found the net twice against Seattle, Pablo Barrios will expect to resist competition from Conor Gallagher and others for selection in midfield.
One of several Brazilian teams to impress in the United States, Botafogo surely deserve to reach the knockout rounds – and they can do so at Atleti’s expense.
While the Spanish club will throw everything at gaining the big win needed to go through, they are set to come up short; suffering their latest painful setback in 2025.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
PSG face local lads Seattle Sounders in Group B
Safe in the knowledge that victory will do the trick, Paris Saint-Germain conclude their Club World Cup Group B run today, when they face local lads Seattle Sounders at their home ground of Lumen Field.
The European champions’ shock 1-0 loss to Botafogo on matchday two means that qualification to the knockouts is not yet assured, while their MLS hosts are yet to pick up a point.
Where the likes of Arsenal and Inter Milan failed, Botafogo astonishingly succeeded, as the Brazilian giants subjected PSG to their first defeat since being crowned European champions on June 19, 2025.
The upshot of Thursday’s shock slaying is that second-placed PSG can no longer top the group, but thanks to their superior head-to-head record over Atletico Madrid, they will book their ticket to the knockout rounds simply by bettering Los Rojiblancos’ result against Botafogo.
Taking the Group B silver medal raises the prospect of an emotional reunion with Lionel Messi in the last 16 – if the Argentine’s Inter Miami side can claim first place in Group A – but PSG have some wrongs to right first, having lost their 19-game scoring sequence in a timid matchday two defeat.
While PSG may need just a point to seal a coveted top-two finish, Seattle Sounders need nothing short of a minor miracle, owing to both their position in the rankings and their unsightly summer form.
PSG’s attacking failures against Botafogo could partially be explained by the continued absence of Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembele, who is still suffering from a thigh issue and may be spared in the hope that he can return for the knockout rounds; if his side qualify.
Enrique is well-stocked otherwise, though, and given that Atletico are breathing down his team’s necks, the Spaniard ought to go for broke on Monday to make absolutely certain of his side’s progression to the last 16.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Rashford would like to play at Barcelona with Yamal
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford says he would like to play alongside teenage superstar Lamine Yamal at Barcelona.
The 27-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, is currently fitness training in Spain before club pre-season starts, amid speculation over his future at United.
When asked about the prospect of playing with Yamal in an interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, Rashford said: “Yes, for sure, Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we’ll see.”
Yamal, 17, played a huge part as Barcelona won a domestic double and reached the Champions League semi-finals last season. He also had a starring role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success.
“[It is] difficult to put into words what he is doing. He is not supposed to be doing that at 16-17 [years of age]. We have not seen that before. It is a skill to be able to play at that age with that mentality,” Rashford added.
Reports in April suggested Rashford felt it was unlikely he would play for Manchester United again under Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese dropped him from the United squad in December, before he spent the rest of the campaign out on loan at Aston Villa.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has previously said that the club “like” both Rashford and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.
But despite clear interest from the Catalan club, money could be a stumbling block should they make a move for Rashford.
Another factor which could impact a potential deal is that the club agreed terms with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams last week, though because of strict rules surrounding their finances, the deal is not yet complete.
The ‘1:1 rule’ states that the club can only spend as much as their income and accounts allow, with La Liga calculating a limit based on Barca’s expected income.
Rashford has spent much of his recent United career playing down the left-hand side but said featuring as a striker is something he is adapting to.
“The number nine position for me is becoming more natural. Playing with my back to goal is becoming easier. You are near the goal so you are dangerous,” he said.
Credit: bbc.com
