Barrios double takes Atletico Madrid past Seattle Sounders in Club World Cup

Pablo Barrios struck twice in each half as Atletico Madrid responded emphatically to their opening defeat in the Club World Cup, securing a 3-1 win over the Seattle Sounders on Thursday.

After being swept aside 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in their Group B opener at the Rose Bowl, Atletico delivered a far more convincing display at Lumen Field.

Seattle, hoping to replicate Inter Miami’s earlier upset of European opposition, found themselves outclassed and fortunate to avoid a heavier loss.


Atletico came out aggressively, creating several early chances. Alexander Sorloth squandered a clear opportunity before Julian Alvarez danced through the defence only to send his shot wide.


The breakthrough came in the 11th minute, when Giuliano Simeone surged down the right and delivered a low cross for Barrios, who rifled the ball in off the underside of the bar.

Sorloth continued to struggle in front of goal, missing another golden opportunity and being denied by goalkeeper Stefan Frei in a one-on-one. Atletico thought they had a penalty after Simeone was brought down by Reed Baker-Whiting, but VAR overturned the decision.

Seattle nearly equalized before halftime when Baker-Whiting's shot whistled just wide, but Atletico reasserted control after the break. Substitute Axel Witsel made an immediate impact, heading home after Marcos Llorente’s shot hit the bar and Robin Le Normand kept the play alive.

Albert Rusnak pulled one back for Seattle with a well-taken shot on the turn, but Barrios responded quickly, guiding a precise finish into the far corner after a long throw reached him in the box.

Alvarez nearly added a fourth with a volley that clipped the top of the bar. Despite Seattle's late push, Atletico held firm.