FIFA Club World Cup: Axel Witsel's Early Second-Half Header Helps Atlético Madrid Topple Seattle Sounders 3-1
Atlético Madrid Power Past Seattle Sounders with Conviction
There’s a reason Atlético Madrid are never easy to handle, no matter where or when you play them. Last night in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Seattle Sounders learned that the hard way. With European ruthlessness, Atlético snatched a 3-1 victory to keep their knockout hopes alive—and dash those of their American rivals.
The first blow came early. Pablo Barrios wasn’t messing around in the 11th minute. The young Spanish midfielder picked up a loose ball just outside the box, blasted a strike off the crossbar, and celebrated as the ball ricocheted downward into the net. Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei could only watch—a tough introduction to a night filled with pressure from Atlético’s attack.
Seattle, still stinging from their earlier loss to Botafogo, tried to respond quickly but lacked the cutting edge. Cristian Roldan got himself into a promising spot midway through the first half but was denied by Jan Oblak’s sure hands. Danny Musovski sent a low drive late in the first period, but again, Atlético’s defense stayed alert, cleaning up before it became dangerous.
Witsel Steps Up, Barrios Seals the Deal
Just after halftime, pressure mounted on Seattle’s backline. Atlético’s Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sørloth probed the goal, forcing Frei into several acrobatic saves. But it was Axel Witsel—the calm, experienced Belgian midfielder—who made the difference seconds into the second half. When Marcos Llorente’s sharp shot slammed the crossbar, the ball bounced tantalizingly back into the area. Witsel didn’t hesitate. He connected with a powerful header, catching Frei off-balance and giving Atlético a 2-0 advantage in the 47th minute.
Seattle didn’t fold, though. The Sounders found a glimmer of hope just three minutes later when Albert Rusnák drove home a tidy finish from close range, capitalizing on a rare Atlético defensive slip. Suddenly, the crowd felt a flicker of drama. Was a comeback on?
Not if Barrios had anything to say about it. Five minutes after Rusnák’s goal, Barrios completed a well-worked move from the edge of the area, coolly side-footing home to stretch the margin back to two goals. For Seattle, it was the backbreaker—the mountain too steep to climb.
Despite some gritty play and flashes of creativity, Seattle couldn’t claw back. Julian Alvarez and Sørloth kept Frei busy, but the Sounders’ defense was stretched thin under the relentless Spanish barrages. Chances on the other end were limited and often swept away by Atlético’s disciplined unit. Seattle’s energy waned, knowing that even a draw wouldn’t be enough to keep them alive in the group.
With two losses, Seattle’s Club World Cup run is officially over. They’ve got one more shot to leave a mark as they close their campaign against Paris Saint-Germain. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, will meet Botafogo with a knockout berth in their sights, fueled by Witsel’s heroics and Barrios’ decisive double. That second group game just got a whole lot bigger.