Botafogo enjoyed a dream campaign last year, lifting both the Brasileirão title and the Copa Libertadores — a historic double that will be hard to replicate. Universidad de Chile will have their work cut out, but given the visitors’ recent instability, the hosts have more than a fighting chance.
Universidad de Chile took clear steps forward in 2024. Although they finished runners-up to Colo-Colo by two points, that marked a major improvement after ending 2023 down in ninth and missing out on continental qualification altogether. So far in the 2025 Primera División, they sit ninth after six rounds with a game in hand, having picked up seven points. It’s not spectacular, but there’s promise.
Botafogo are still basking in the glory of their historic 2024, when they claimed their first ever Libertadores title and their first domestic crown in nearly 30 years. That golden season was orchestrated by Portuguese manager Artur Jorge, who has since departed for a lucrative offer in Qatar. The aftermath has been chaotic: three different managers have taken charge since January, and results have suffered. They flopped in the Campeonato Carioca, failing to reach even the top-eight playoff stage, and were comfortably beaten by Racing (0:2, 0:2) in the Recopa Sudamericana. Their league campaign began with a goalless draw away to Palmeiras — not a poor result, but hardly a statement of intent.
This isn’t the same Botafogo that swept South America last season. With instability on the bench and patchy form, they look vulnerable. Even a still-warming Universidad de Chile could cause problems on home turf.
