Sounders hosting Atletico Madrid in the Club World Cup: Match Preview

Revitalized Battle Awaits: Sounders Face Atlético Madrid in FIFA Tourney

SEATTLE - Following a heart-wrenching loss to Botafogo, Seattle's match against Atlético Madrid on Thursday at Lumen Field becomes a critical do-or-die encounter. To progress in the FIFA Men's Club World Cup tournament, the Sounders must secure at least four points in their last two Group B matches, starting with this mouthwatering clash.

The tournament pool is divided into eight groups, with the top two teams from each advancing to the Round of 16. With one point already on the board, Seattle finds itself in an intriguing position.

While Atleti lies at the bottom of the standings after a devastating 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, Seattle managed to score in their 2-1 defeat to Botafogo, narrowing the goal differential. This slight advantage, as well as the one-game suspension for Atleti's Clement Lenglet, offers a glimmer of hope for the home team.

However, the odds are stacked against the Sounders. Atlético Madrid, a 11-time Spanish champion and currently ranked 15th in the world according to Opta Analyst, dominates almost every statistical calculation.

The site's "supercomputer" has run pregame simulations, predicting an Atlético victory in 68.2% of them. Coach Brian Schmetzer acknowledges the challenge ahead: "We're true underdogs, we get that and understand the position we're in. That does not mean we're not going to compete."

Here is what to expect from the match:

Sounders (0-1) vs Atlético Madrid (0-1)

Time/Place: 3 p.m. Thursday at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Streaming: DAZN.com (free)

Lineup Changes?

Despite the loss, Schmetzer was impressed by the determination shown by the Sounders against Botafogo and might opt for a revised starting lineup on Thursday. With the firing energy and ability to match Botafogo's physical play, players such as Reed Baker-Whiting, Jon Bell, Ryan Kent, and Jesús Ferreira could earn a place in the starting eleven.

Notable Absence

For weeks, the most intriguing news surrounding Jordan Morris has been his return to dyed platinum blond hair. The Sounders forward has logged limited minutes due to hamstring injuries and will reportedly be on the bench against Atleti. Despite this, it remains uncertain whether Morris will be able to contribute significantly due to fitness concerns.

Embracing the Dark Arts

The Sounders can expect another round of "dark arts" tactics from their opponents, similar to what they experienced against Botafogo. SSG.news anticipates controlled responses to such tactics if they reemerge during the match.

Discounted Seats

Following a lower-than-expected attendance of 30,151 people at Seattle's game on Sunday, tickets for the Atlético match remain available. Fans can enjoy a 20% discount when purchasing through soundersfc.com/fifa-club-world-cup-2025.

Quotable

Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas expressed his excitement to face Atlético, his all-time favorite team, and his determination to come out on top: "I won't be a fan when we play them. I'm going to be motivated to beat them and do as much as I can to beat them."

Additional Insights:

While the outcome remains uncertain, predictions and betting odds indicate that Atlético Madrid is likely to secure a victory against Seattle in the FIFA Club World Cup match. Historically, Seattle has faced difficulties against highly motivated and experienced Champions League sides, such as Atlético, in adapting to away environments and converting scoring opportunities. However, strong performances and impressive energy shown by the Sounders in their previous match warrant optimism for a potentially competitive match.

The Sounders, currently in an intriguing position with one point in the FIFA Men's Club World Cup tournament, face a crucial challenge against Atlético Madrid on Thursday at Lumen Field, a do-or-die encounter for the Seattle team to progress.
While Atlético Madrid, a dominant European side with a 15th-ranked world standing, has a higher probability of winning against the Sounders according to the site's pregame simulations, Seattle's coach, Brian Schmetzer, acknowledges the challenge and vows the team will compete fiercely.
To boost their chances, Sounders coach Schmetzer might opt for a revised starting lineup on Thursday, potentially giving Reed Baker-Whiting, Jon Bell, Ryan Kent, and Jesús Ferreira a place in the starting eleven, in response to the team's determined performance against Botafogo.
Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas, excited to face Atlético, his all-time favorite team, plans to switch from fan mode to competitor mode and do his utmost to beat them in the FIFA Club World Cup match.