Botafogo is eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana. After drawing 1-1 at Nilton Santos, Glorioso was defeated by Defensa y Justicia by 2-1, in Argentina, this Wednesday (30), and said goodbye to the continental competition in the quarterfinals. Despite the excellent phase of the alvinegra team in the Brazilian Championship, the fans did not forgive the disqualification and detonated the team’s performance.
Defensa controlled the game most of the time and opened the scoring through Nicolás Fernandez in the 15th minute of the first half, after a mistake by Di Plácido. In advantage, the Argentine team started to cook the match and Botafogo little threatened. Until, in the additions of the initial stage, Tchê Tchê suffered a dangerous foul at the entrance to the area. Lucas Fernandes took the shot on the crossbar, the ball hit goalkeeper Bologna and went in, giving the team a tie.
The goal in added time seems not to have given enough courage to Botafogo, who were again dominated by the hosts in the second half. With 26 minutes on the clock, left-back Soto crossed accurately and found Nicolás Fernandez free between Cuesta and Marçal. The attacker did not forgive and guaranteed the victory and classification of the Argentine team.
As mentioned, the Botafogo fans did not accept the elimination and questioned the team’s performance below expectations. “They dropped the Sul-Americana”, “this team only plays in the Brasileirão”, “Bruno Lage doesn’t know how to climb” were some of the messages published by Alvinegro fans on social networks.
The unwillingness of some players towards the competition is impressive. They really gave up, for them the BR is guaranteed and it’s good. We hope so
— Joao Vitor ★彡 (@umjoaodiz) August 30, 2023
Namoral if you were to participate in the South American to embarrass yourself, it would be better not to have participated, Brazilians became an obligation
— Carlos Eduardo Coelho ★彡 (@carlose38788426) August 30, 2023
Surreal how your interest in this title is ZERO
— Gabriel Plat ✭ (@gabrielplat) August 30, 2023
it was everything you wanted. South America is worth nothing, right?
— (@1894botafogoFR) August 30, 2023
End of Botafogo’s undefeated streak
The defeat by Defensa y Justicia on Wednesday night (30) put an end to Botafogo’s expressive undefeated sequence. Alvinegro had not lost for almost three months, or 19 matches encompassing Brasileirão and Sul-Americana. In this cut, there were 11 wins and eight draws.
Glorioso’s last defeat occurred on June 3, when Athletico-PR won by 1-0, at Ligga Arena, in a duel valid for the Brazilian Championship.
Botafogo concentrates all forces in the Brasileirão
Outside the Copa do Brasil and Sudamericana, Botafogo only has the Brazilian Championship to play until the end of the season. And Glorioso’s title chances increase with each round.
With the incredible mark of 51 points conquered, the club of General Severiano leads the Brasileirão in isolation, with 11 of advantage in relation to the second placed Palmeiras. In 21 games played, the alvinegra team won 16, drew three and lost only two. The next appointment is against Flamengo, Saturday (2), at 9 pm (Brasília time), at Nilton Santos.
Botafogo next games
- Botafogo x Flamengo – Brazilian Championship – Nilton Santos – Saturday (2/9), at 21h (Brasília time);
- Atlético-MG x Botafogo – Brazilian Championship – MRV Arena – Saturday (9/16), at 9 pm (Brasília time);
- Corinthians x Botafogo – Brazilian Championship – Neo Química Arena – Friday (9/22), at 8 pm (Brasília time)