Atletico win easily against Seattle but needs a win to go through

Another disappointing season without a trophy is behind Atlético, with Cholo Simeone still on the bench, and the FIFA Club World Cup is their last chance to improve the bleak impression left. Under the sunny skies at "Lumen Field" stadium in Seattle—amid one of the weaker atmospheres seen so far in the tournament—Atlético Madrid secured a 3–1 (1–0) victory over the Seattle Sounders, keeping their hopes alive of staying at the tournament for at least one more match in the knockout stage.

It was a match played at a high tempo, full of intensity and missed chances, in which the experienced Spaniards eventually broke the resistance of the uninspired Americans. The central figure of the game was Pablo Barrios—a two-goal scorer and a player who orchestrated the match from midfield, stepping up when it was time to intercept and when it was time to decide. After the 0–4 collapse against Paris Saint-Germain in the opening round, Simeone's team knew they couldn’t afford another slip-up. On the other hand, Seattle entered the match hoping to redeem their performance from the 1–2 loss to Botafogo—but even their second attempt on home turf wasn't enough to earn any points.

From the opening minutes, it was clear who would control the flow of the game. Atlético held the ball, dictated the pace, but had difficulty breaking down Seattle’s tight, high defensive block. Still, in the 11th minute—crack in the American armor: Giuliano Simeone led a counterattack, paused, waited for the perfect moment, and found Barrios, who fired the ball first-time off the crossbar and into the net—1–0. That goal merely opened Barrios' big night. He had a great sense for space, perfect timing in his off-ball movement, and while Sørloth and Alvarez were missing chances, it was Barrios who brought decisiveness and composure to the finish.

CWC: Messi's winner for the Inter turnaround

The second half exploded within the first ten minutes. In the 47th minute, Llorente unleashed a long-range strike, Frei made a desperate save tipping it onto the crossbar, Le Normand headed the rebound back into the six-yard box, and Axel Witsel, like a classic striker, slotted it in from close range—2–0. But the hosts responded immediately. From hero to villain, Le Normand lost the ball near his own goal, and Rusnák ruthlessly punished the mistake, reigniting hope for Seattle—2–1. It was a moment that made the home crowd believe the Sounders might snatch a vital point. That hope, however, lasted exactly three minutes. Once again, Barrios was left unmarked in the box, collected a deflected ball, and calmly placed it into the far corner for 3–1. His second goal of the night, executed with elegance, confirmed his role as the match’s hero. He was everywhere—anchor in transition, finisher in the final third.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025

Matchday 2

Thursday

Palmeiras - Al Ahly Cairo 2-0 (0-0)

/Abou Ali (og) 49, Lopez 59/

Inter Miami - Porto 2-1 (0-1)

/Segovia 47, Messi 54 - Aghehowa 8(p)/

Friday

Seattle - Atletico Madrid 1-3 (0-1)

/Rusnak 50 - Barrios 11, 55, Witsel 47/

PSG - Botafogo 0-1 (0-1)

/Jesus 36/

19:00: (1.01) Benfica (17.0) Auckland (95.0)

21:00: (4.40) Flamengo (3.50) Chelsea (1.85)

Saturday

00:55: (1.90) Los Angeles (3.45) Esperance (4.20)

04:00: (1.22) Bayern (6.50) Boca Juniors (12.0)

19:00: (9.00) Mamelodi (5.80) Dortmund (1.30)

22:00: (1.20) Inter Milan (6.75) Urawa RD (14.0)

Sunday

00:55: (1.27) Fluminense (5.60) Ulsan (12.0)

04:00: (2.15) River Plate (3.35) Monterrey (3.45)

19:00: (1.22) Juventus (6.25) Wydad Casablanca (14.0)

22:00: (1.22) Real Madrid (6.50) Pachuca (12.0)

Monday

00:55: (4.10) Salzburg (3.60) Al Hilal (1.88)

04:00: (1.05) Man.City (14.0) Al Ain (35.0)

***odds are subject to change***