The Brazilian Serie A leaders, Botafogo, are one of the favourites to win the Copa Libertadores. São Paulo might pose some challenges to the team, yet at home, Botafogo should pull ahead of their competitor.
After two consecutive setbacks against Bahia (0:1) and Juventude (2:3) in the first half of August, Botafogo switched to championship mode. In their following six matches, they remained unbeaten (four wins and two draws) and scored a total of 12 goals. In the last round of the Copa Libertadores, they overcame Palmeiras (4:3 on aggregate) thanks to their robust attacking play. Notably, on Sunday night, Botafogo's key players, Luiz Henrique and Thiago Almada, once again demonstrated their excellent scoring ability (with both netting a goal), earning a 2:1 victory over Corinthians Paulista .
The alternating wins and losses in the Brazilian championship have distanced São Paulo from the title race—they are now nine points behind Botafogo. Away from home, the team conceded 17 goals in 13 matches, the seventh-worst record, tied with Fluminense. Against Club Nacional de Football in the previous round of the Copa Libertadores (2:0 on aggregate), the Brazilian side was fortunate with their finishing, as in Uruguay, the opponent was closer to victory (2-17 on shots).
Since February 2021, Botafogo have scored at least one goal against São Paulo in five out of their last six encounters. The Serie A leaders will be in good form for this crucial Copa Libertadores match and should find the net at least once.
