Botafogo Defeats Palmeiras 1-0, Retains Brasileirão Lead

Botafogo defeated Palmeiras 1-0 on Wednesday night, with Tiquinho Soares scoring the decisive goal.

This match, part of the 17th round of the Brazilian Championship, took place at Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro.

Both teams aimed for the top spot in the league. With this defeat, Palmeiras missed the chance to lead the table, remaining in second place with 33 points.

Botafogo now leads with 36 points. Palmeiras’ position remains at risk, depending on Flamengo’s performance this round.

Palmeiras’ coach Abel Ferreira introduced midfielders Mauricio and Felipe Anderson, making their debuts from the bench. Botafogo’s coach Artur Jorge debuted striker Igor Jesus.

Both teams return to action on Saturday for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship.

Botafogo will play against Internacional at 18:30 (Brasília time) at Estádio Nilton Santos. Palmeiras will face Cruzeiro at 21:00 at Allianz Parque.

Intense First Half Without Goals

Botafogo began aggressively, with Luiz Henrique setting up Júnior Santos for a shot deflected by Murilo just two minutes into the first half.

Palmeiras responded with a set-piece, but the defense cleared Raphael Veiga’s cross. Shortly after, Estêvão’s pass to Veiga led to a blocked shot.

At nine minutes, Marlon Freitas’ strong shot was impressively saved by Weverton. At 13 minutes, Savarino’s pass to Júnior Santos was saved by Weverton.

Four minutes later, Marcos Rocha’s pass to Flaco López saw the Argentine’s shot saved by John.

Gabriel Menino’s powerful shot went wide after a corner. Estêvão’s right-wing run and cross were cleared by Botafogo’s defense. Palmeiras tried to press but couldn’t create clear chances.

Júnior Santos missed a header at 33 minutes following a pass from Damián Suárez. Three minutes later, Piquerez’s cross to Estêvão resulted in a poor header.

Suárez’s cross set up Savarino, who laid it off for Luiz Henrique, but his shot was saved by Weverton. At 38 minutes, Piquerez blocked Barbosa’s header.

Tiquinho Soares Secures the Win

Early in the second half, Veiga’s direct free kick posed no threat. Botafogo responded with Gregore’s header over the goal.

At five minutes, Veiga’s shot was blocked. At eight minutes, Júnior Santos was denied by a brilliant save from Weverton after a mistake by Gabriel Menino.

Botafogo scored at 10 minutes when Luiz Henrique dribbled past Murilo and crossed for Tiquinho Soares to score.

At 16 minutes, Piquerez’s shot was saved by John. Flaco López’s effort was also saved, though it was offside.

Around the 25-minute mark, Tiquinho missed a chance to extend the lead with a weak shot easily saved by Weverton.

Ten minutes later, Luiz Henrique threatened again, but Palmeiras cleared. Felipe Anderson’s shot at 40 minutes was saved by John.

Weverton made another save shortly after from Igor Jesus, though it was offside.

In the closing minutes, Dudu’s cross found Flaco, but John made the save. In stoppage time, Kauê missed a chance to widen Botafogo’s lead, sending the ball wide.