The Sounders' upset hopes vs. Atleti hinge on limiting these 3 players | OneFootball

The Seattle Sounders began their journey in the Club World Cup with a loss against Botafogo. But the Sounders proved they could fight against big teams.

Before the start of the tournament, the MLS team level was put into doubt. Still, the opposite happened. LAFC, Inter Miami, and Seattle Sounders all had respectable performances and showed they can't be taken for granted.

Yet, they now have to face European clubs, a tougher challenge than the one against Botafogo. Atletico Madrid is a well-known team for having outstanding players on their roster. But they may also be reeling after a 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in their group opener.

Here are three players the Seattle Sounders need to stop to try and win their game on Thursday:

Antoine Griezmann

Paris Saint-Germain FC v Club Atletico de Madrid: Group B - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Harry How/GettyImages

The veteran Frenchman -- who was once linked to LAFC -- is the key player in Diego Simeone's scheme. Griezmann is a fast player, but his best attributes come from his agility and crucial passing.

The 'Principito' is the cornerstone of Atletico Madrid's attack. All of their offensive play flows through the Frenchman. He is the link between the midfield and the forwards.

The 2018 World Cup champion with France doesn't go often in the box. Instead, he is known for his long shooting outside the box and separate from the defenders.

The Sounders need to have a player closely marking him and not let him develop his game.

Julian Alvarez

Paris Saint-Germain FC v Club Atletico de Madrid: Group B - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Omar Vega/GettyImages

He's the team's lethal striker. The Argentine is known for his constant pressing and impressive speed when marking center-backs.

The former Manchester City player is crucial for Simeone's attack, frequently finding himself in one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper due to his speed and positioning.

Alvarez's constant pressure could be a problem for the Sounders, as they are not used to this defending style from a striker.

Marcos Llorente

Paris Saint-Germain FC v Club Atletico de Madrid: Group B - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

The Spanish right-back is the strong player on the defensive side. With Atleti playing without José María Gimenez and Lenglet, the most determined player to defend is Llorente.

Yet, the Sounders need to stop Llorente in his attacking phase. The 30-year-old has the habit of always joining the wingers in attack.

As a former midfielder, Marcos Llorente understands where to pass the ball and when to face the defender in an individual duel.

Simeone is known for using his full-backs as his main weapon in both build-up and attack. In the build-up, Atletico usually starts playing from the back through the projection of its full-backs.