Botafogo fans showed signs that they weren’t so bothered by the elimination in the Copa Sudamericana. At least, part of it. Early this Thursday, around 300 fans went to Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão) to receive the squad after the 2-1 defeat against Defensa y Justicia, in Argentina. The result, in a match valid for the quarterfinals of the competition, ended an invincibility that lasted 19 games.
The Alvinegros’ reception was a clear message that the Botafogo fans are following along with the team in the competition that really mattered to the club in this second half: the Brazilian Championship. Leader shot, with 11 points of advantage over vice-leader Palmeiras, Glorioso is close to lifting the national cup again, which has not happened since 1995.
BOTAFOGO CROWDS EMBRACE THE CAST
04:00 am on a Thursday, nobody wants more than us. The classic has already begun. Come on, BOTAFOGO!#NinguémAmaComoAGente #EntramOnzeJogamosTodos pic.twitter.com/DnPfmVVPK4
— Mov. Nobody Loves Like Us (@MovNacag) August 31, 2023
The mobilization of the crowd to receive the supporters started right after the end of the game against Defensa y Justicia. On social media and in messaging app groups, fans quickly moved to hug the players. Since 1:00 am, the alvinegros have already started to gather in the lobby of Galeão, waiting for the players, who only arrived at 4:00 am.
The cast was received with much applause, songs and shouts of encouragement. “Saturday is war”, in allusion to the classic with Flamengo, at Nilton Santos, for the Brazilian Championship, was also repeated a lot. Tickets for the match have been sold out since early afternoon last Wednesday.
THE GREATEST LOVE IN THE WORLD!
This was the alvinegra arrival at dawn today. We will follow together in heart and soul to achieve our goals. 11 enter, we all play! Come on, Fire! #VouTeApoiarAtéOFinal pic.twitter.com/Te6bBufdjk
— Botafogo FR (@Botafogo) August 31, 2023
Botafogo publishes message for fans
On social networks, Botafogo thanked the fans for their support after their elimination in the Copa Sudamericana.
Thanks to the alvinegra fans for all the support at the airport. It’s the Greatest Love in the World! We follow together!
— Botafogo FR (@Botafogo) August 31, 2023
In addition to the club, football director André Mazzuco also thanked the supporters for their presence and praised the alvinegros.
“1,2,3, we are with you!” Thank you so much fans for the wonderful reception! Unforgettable! We will always be together! Until the end! ! Proud to be Glorioso!
— Mario Andre Mazzuco (@andre_mazzuco) August 31, 2023
The mobilization of the crowd did not end at the airport. For the derby against Flamengo, on Saturday, the “Nobody Loves Like Us Movement” is organizing yet another mosaic and a big party for the Botafogo team to enter the field. The group has created mosaics that drew attention in recent games, such as the one they did in honor of Didi, Garrincha and Nilton Santos, last Sunday, in the match against Bahia.