An All-Brazilian Showdown
On June 28, 2025, Palmeiras and Botafogo faced off in a thrilling all-Brazilian Round of 16 match at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, held at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA. This knockout stage clash, kicking off at 4:00 PM UTC (9:30 PM IST), pitted Group A toppers Palmeiras against Group B runners-up Botafogo, with the winner advancing to face either Chelsea or Benfica in the quarterfinals. With both teams showcasing strong group stage performances, this Palmeiras vs Botafogo match promised high intensity and fierce domestic rivalry. This article provides live updates, key moments, and analysis of the game’s outcome.
Match Overview: Palmeiras vs Botafogo
Team Backgrounds
- Palmeiras: Topping Group A with a 2-0 win over Al Ahly and a dramatic 2-2 draw against Inter Miami, Palmeiras, led by coach Abel Ferreira, entered as favorites. Their 2023-24 Copa Libertadores triumph and strong Brazilian Serie A form (currently fourth) highlighted their attacking prowess, driven by 18-year-old star Estevao Willian, set to join Chelsea in 2025.
- Botafogo: Finishing second in Group B, Botafogo stunned Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 1-0 and beat Seattle Sounders, despite a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid. Under coach Renato Paiva, their resilient defense and counter-attacking style, led by Igor Jesus, made them a formidable underdog.
Predicted Lineups
- Palmeiras: Weverton (GK); Giay, Gomez, Murilo; Torres, Ríos, Moreno, Piquerez; Estevao, Mauricio; Roque.
- Botafogo: John (GK); Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles; Gregore, Allan, Freitas; Artur, Jesus, Savarino.
Streaming Info
The match was not telecast in India but was live-streamed on the DAZN app and website, starting at 9:30 PM IST.
Live Updates: Key Moments and Highlights
First Half: A Physical, Goalless Battle
- 3’: Early tension as Botafogo’s Alexander Barboza received a yellow card for a crunching tackle on Palmeiras’ Richard Rios, earning a free-kick in a dangerous position. Barboza’s booking means he’ll miss Botafogo’s next match if they advance.
- 15’: Palmeiras won the first corner, setting the tone for their aggressive start. They dominated early possession, with Mauricio’s shot from the edge of the box saved by Botafogo’s John.
- 25’: Palmeiras controlled the game, creating more chances but failing to convert. Botafogo’s defense, led by Barboza and Cunha, held firm despite the pressure.
- 35’: Botafogo’s Alex Telles earned a second yellow for his team, fouling Allan. Palmeiras’ free-kick yielded no result.
- 40’: Palmeiras’ Gustavo Gomez was booked for a reckless tackle on Botafogo’s Allan, ruling him out of a potential quarterfinal. The half ended 0-0, with Palmeiras edging possession but lacking a clinical finish.
Second Half: Intensity Rises, No Breakthrough
- 50’: Estevao Willian thought he’d scored for Palmeiras, but the goal was disallowed due to a referee’s whistle, sparing Botafogo.
- 61’: An hour in, the score remained 0-0. Both teams pushed for the opener, with the match described as “tightly contested.” Estevao continued to threaten but couldn’t break through.
- 70’: Botafogo missed a chance as Marlon Freitas set up Jefferson Savarino, whose shot went high and wide. Substitutions saw Palmeiras’ Mayke replace Allan and Botafogo’s Joaquin Correa come on for Savarino.
- 80’: Palmeiras earned their eighth corner, maintaining pressure, but Botafogo’s John made a super save to deny Estevao. The game opened up, with both sides seeking a decisive goal.
- 90’+5: Five minutes of added time saw no breakthrough, with Botafogo’s Newton booked for pulling a Palmeiras player’s jersey. The match headed to extra time.
Extra Time and Outcome
- Extra Time: The referee signaled two 15-minute periods of extra time as the score remained 0-0 after regulation. Palmeiras continued to press, but Botafogo’s defense held resolute. No specific goal updates were available, suggesting the match may have proceeded to penalties if no goals were scored.
- Result: As of the latest updates, the match concluded without a clear winner in regulation, likely decided by extra time or penalties. Check DAZN or Sofascore for the final outcome, as live sources didn’t confirm a victor by the end of coverage.
Key Statistics
- Possession: Palmeiras 45%, Botafogo 35%.
- Shots: Palmeiras 50, Botafogo 23; shots on target tied at 13.
- Fouls: Palmeiras 45, Botafogo 49.
- Corners: Palmeiras dominated with eight corners to Botafogo’s one.
- Yellow Cards: Botafogo (Barboza, Telles, Newton); Palmeiras (Gomez).
Analysis: A Tactical Stalemate
Palmeiras’ Dominance Without Reward
Palmeiras controlled much of the game, with sharper build-up and more chances, driven by Estevao’s flair and Mauricio’s creativity. However, their inability to convert, despite eight corners and a disallowed goal, highlighted a lack of clinical finishing. Coach Abel Ferreira’s high-pressing strategy worked, but Botafogo’s John was a wall in goal.
Botafogo’s Resilience
Botafogo absorbed pressure, relying on a disciplined defense and counter-attacks. Igor Jesus and Savarino posed threats, but their four shots on target couldn’t break Weverton. Their physical approach led to three yellow cards, reflecting the match’s intensity. Coach Renato Paiva’s tactics, fresh off a shock win over PSG, kept them in the game.
Estevao’s Star Turn
Estevao Willian, the 18-year-old “Messinho,” was a standout, nearly scoring and drawing praise for his Neymar-like flair. His performance, ahead of his 2025 Chelsea move, underscored his potential as Brazil’s next star.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
- Fans: Social media buzzed with excitement, with posts noting Palmeiras’ first-half edge but praising Botafogo’s defensive grit. One fan called it “a proper Brazilian slugfest,” while another lauded Estevao’s “dazzling runs.”
- Analysts: Sportstar described the match as “highly physical” and “tightly contested,” predicting Botafogo could edge it due to their PSG upset. Sofascore’s stats highlighted Palmeiras’ dominance in chances but Botafogo’s efficiency on target.
The Bigger Picture: Brazil’s Dominance
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, expanded to 32 teams, showcased Brazil’s strength, with all four Serie A teams—Palmeiras, Botafogo, Flamengo, and Fluminense—reaching the knockouts unbeaten in the group stage. This match guaranteed at least one Brazilian in the quarterfinals, reinforcing South America’s competitiveness against European giants. Palmeiras’ draw with Inter Miami and Botafogo’s win over PSG highlighted their global threat.
