Atletico Madrid vs Botafogo Pick & Prediction: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Betting Preview – Monday, June 23rd
As the curtain nears its close on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage, all eyes turn to Pasadena’s Rose Bowl for a do-or-die clash between Atletico Madrid and Botafogo. Monday’s match promises high drama, with Atleti needing a convincing win to have any hope of reaching the knockout phase, while Copa Libertadores holders Botafogo only need a draw to punch their ticket to the Round of 16.
Decisive Showdown in Group B: Can Atletico Madrid Survive the ‘Group of Death’?
It’s either goals or bust for Diego Simeone’s side. After a humiliating 4-0 loss to PSG in their opening match, Los Colchoneros roared back to life with a commanding 3-1 win over the Seattle Sounders. Pablo Barrios starred with a brace, while substitute Axel Witsel added a third in a clinical display of European pedigree.
Despite the bounce-back, Atletico Madrid’s tournament path remains treacherous. They sit third in Group B, level on points with PSG and three behind Botafogo. With goal difference and head-to-head records factoring into tiebreakers, Diego Simeone’s men likely need a victory by at least three goals to progress – assuming PSG take care of business against Seattle.
In typical Atleti fashion, consistency has been elusive. The Spanish giants have scored three or more goals in six of their last ten games, winning every time, but have lost the other four without scoring at all. The stakes demand another goal-glut, but they’ll be up against a disciplined, confident Botafogo unit.
On the attacking front, Antoine Griezmann is expected to return to the starting XI alongside Julian Alvarez, with Norwegian forward Alexander Sorloth returning to his role as a super-sub. Elsewhere, midfield revelation Pablo Barrios is likely to retain his place, while Clement Lenglet returns from suspension, although Jose Gimenez and Robin Le Normand may remain the preferred center-back pairing for Monday.
Botafogo: Giant-Killers on the Brink of History
Fresh off their stunning 1-0 victory over Champions League winners PSG, Botafogo arrive in peak form and full of belief. Their historic victory – the first by a South American club over European opposition at a Club World Cup since 2012 – was orchestrated through discipline, tactical intelligence, and opportunism.
Igor Jesus’s deflected first-half goal proved decisive, and head coach Renato Paiva’s structured low-block approach was praised even by PSG’s Luis Enrique. Despite seeing just 26% of the ball, the Rio-based outfit held firm for their fifth straight win across all competitions.
Botafogo are now unbeaten in 11 of their last 13 matches, and with just a draw needed to progress, the pressure lies squarely on Atletico. Even a narrow loss could be enough – only a three-goal defeat would eliminate the Brasileirao champions.
Expected to line up similarly to the PSG match, Jesus will spearhead the attack once again, flanked by Jefferson Savarino and Artur, with the option to bring in attacking depth from new signings Arthur Cabral and Joaquin Correa. The midfield trio of Marlon Freitas, Allan, and Gregore, all aged 30+, provide a seasoned spine that could frustrate Atletico’s direct approach.
Left back Cuiabano, recently linked to Nottingham Forest, is also in line for a potential start after recovering from a back issue, though experienced Alex Telles could keep his starting berth.
Tactical Preview: Styles Make Fights
Expect a clash of identities: Atletico Madrid will dominate possession and push forward in waves, needing goals to stay alive, while Botafogo will likely sit deep, absorb pressure, and look to strike on the counter – a blueprint that worked to perfection against Paris Saint-Germain last time out.
Given Atletico Madrid’s volatility and Botafogo’s efficiency, this match shapes up as an emotional rollercoaster. Both teams have attacking weapons, and defensive vulnerabilities have shown on both sides, making the “Both Teams to Score – Yes” at -120 a smart betting angle.
Possible Starting XIs of Atletico Madrid and Botafogo
Atletico Madrid: Jan Oblak – Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, José Giménez, Javi Galan – Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Koke, Pablo Barrios – Antoine Griezmann, Julian Álvarez. (4-4-2)
Botafogo: John – Vitinho, Jair Cunha, Alexander Barboza, Alex Telles – Allan, Gregore, Marlon Freitas – Artur, Igor Jesus, Jefferson Savarino. (4-3-3)
Atletico Madrid vs Botafogo Betting Prediction
Atletico Madrid are expected to be forced to throw everything forward in pursuit of goals, and that desperation could leave them vulnerable at the back – especially against a composed, counterattacking Botafogo. While Los Colchoneros might find the net, as they have excellent forwards such as Julian Alvarez, Alexander Sorloth and, of course, veteran Antoine Griezmann, we expect Botafogo to do the same, and a draw or narrow defeat could be enough for the Brazilians to advance.
According to EveryGame Sportsbook betting odds, Atletico Madrid are favored at -137, while Botafogo are listed at +400, and a draw is priced at +260. However, with so much at stake and both teams bringing unique strengths to the pitch, we from SpookyExpress.com are eyeing the “Both Teams to Score – Yes” market at -120, and an alternative in Double Chance (Botafogo or Draw) at +109, which offers great value given the South American champions’ current form (in case you don’t quite fancy the odds on BTS).