Match for the 3rd round of the FIFA Club World Cup group stage, at Rose Bowl Stadium, in Pasadena.
What We Know
- This is the first-ever match between the two.
- Five of Atletico Madrid’s last six games ended with over 2.5 goals.
- Five out of seven of Botafogo’s past games ended without both teams scoring.
- Atletico Madrid have had 4 straight games with 4-6 goals.
Atletico Madrid - Botafogo Betting Tip
Atletico Madrid are certainly the favourite here. The competition is fertile ground for upsets, but we do not expect this to be one. While it will be a disappointment for Botafogo to bow out after winning two games, we have not seen performances that would inspire more confidence. Our pick is Atletico to win.
- Betting tip: Atletico win
- Odds: 1.60 (at the time of writing)
- Stake: 4
Atletico Madrid
After a disappointing premiere against European Champions Paris Saint-Germain and a crushing 4-0 defeat, Atletico rebounded and brought things back to normal. They took care of business against the Seattle Sounders, forcing them to a 3-1 defeat. Barrios scored 2 for Atletico, with Witsel adding another. The group is all up in the air after this result and the unexpected PSG defeat to Botafogo.
There is a real possibility for a three-way tie, and that works to the Spaniards’ advantage. That is because, in that case, the tiebreaker will be the teams’ goal difference. Therefore, Atletico will have to win this game with two goals or more, and they will advance to the next stage of the Club World Cup.
This is not an unlikely scenario, but the Rojiblancos will need their attackers to join the action and contribute. So far, no one among Sorloth, Alvarez, and Griezmann has performed to the standards we are used to by them. They have not managed a single goal or assist either. If these players are able to ramp up the production, Atletico can go far.
Botafogo
Botafogo beat the odds and managed a very impressive 1-0 win over European Champions Paris Saint-Germain, in the biggest upset of the group stage. They were not necessarily the better side, but from the moment they took the lead in the first half with Jesus (36’), they were able to maintain their discipline and escape with the win from that game.
Despite how impressive that result was, it might not be enough. If the Brazilians are defeated by Atletico by 2 goals or more, they will be knocked out of the competition. That, of course, is if PSG do not suffer a second consecutive upset and instead take care of business against the Seattle Sounders. The Brazilians will aim for a draw, a result that will see them through to the next stage.
Renato Paiva’s team has not played particularly well in the competition, despite winning two of their games. They were not in control of the possession game in either match, and they were under considerable pressure in the ‘easier’ game against the Sounders. The Americans tallied 23 shots, and that number alone is enough to make anyone weary of backing Botafogo.
