Atletico's exit is the latest setback for Simeone's reign

Atletico Madrid will have to pick themselves up again as they pack their bags to travel back home earlier than most expected from the Club World Cup, after being knocked out of the tournament in the group stage.

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Diego Simeone's side were eliminated despite a 1-0 victory over Brazil's Botafogo in their final Group B match on June 23. They finished third in the so-called "Group of Death", level on six points with Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo but falling short on goal difference.

The damage was largely inflicted in that opening 4-0 thrashing by PSG, a scoreline that would ultimately prove fatal to their ambitions in Fifa's revamped US$1 billion (S$1.28 billion) showcase.

Atletico arrived in the United States with high hopes, boasting a squad that included Argentinian forward Julian Alvarez, former France captain Antoine Griezmann and several other international names.

However, their heavy loss to PSG and lacklustre performances overall raised further questions about the team's direction under their long-serving coach.