Palmeiras Stays Alive in Paulista Championship with Comeback Win Over Botafogo-SP
Palmeiras kept its hopes alive for a spot in the knockout stage of the Campeonato Paulista after a crucial 3-1 comeback victory against Botafogo-SP on Thursday night at Allianz Parque.
Goals from Estêvão, Facundo Torres, and Luighi secured the win, while Alexandre Jesus scored for Botafogo-SP. The result brought Palmeiras to 20 points, maintaining third place in Group D and narrowing the gap to São Bernardo and Ponte Preta in first and second, respectively.
However, São Bernardo holds an advantage with one game in hand. The decisive final group stage matches will take place on Sunday. Palmeiras faces Mirassol at Estádio Municipal José Maria de Campos Maia, while Botafogo-SP meets Novorizontino at Arena Nicnet in Ribeirão Preto.
Both games are scheduled for 6:30 PM (Brasília time). Palmeiras entered the match knowing only a win would suffice to stay in contention. Early attempts came from Benedetti’s header and Richard Ríos’ long-range shots, but Botafogo-SP struck first.
In the 20th minute, Jonathan Cafu’s cross found Alexandre Jesus, who volleyed past Weverton to open the scoring. Palmeiras responded quickly as Estêvão equalized in the 28th minute with a composed finish after evading defenders.
The second half started slowly, but Palmeiras gradually increased pressure. A close call came when Estêvão’s header hit the post after a chaotic sequence in the box.
The breakthrough arrived in the 75th minute when Facundo Torres converted from close range following a well-placed cross by Murilo. Just minutes later, Luighi sealed the victory with a powerful strike after Raphael Veiga’s clever setup.
Botafogo-SP had brief moments of danger, including a strong shot from Alejo Dramisino that Weverton saved brilliantly. However, Palmeiras dominated possession and created more opportunities as the match progressed.
This victory gives Palmeiras a fighting chance to advance but leaves no room for error in their final group-stage match. Meanwhile, Botafogo-SP faces an uphill battle to recover after this defeat. All eyes now turn to Sunday’s games, where the fate of Group D will be decided.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief
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