Botafogo is surgical, wins Cuiabá and opens advantage in the leadership of the Brasileirão

The leadership of the Brazilian Championship continues more and more in the hands of Botafogo, now with five points of advantage, caused by the last defeat of Palmeiras on Wednesday (21) against Bahia. Now, a day later, playing away from home at Arena Pantanal, the club from Rio needed to do its part in the confrontation against Cuiabá. The situation of the home team was completely different in the table, wanting to leave close to the relegation zone and trying to win the first competition in their stadium.

First time

The moment experienced by the home club was one more reason to launch the attack in the match, even facing the current leader of the Brasileirão. What was expected was a greater balance, but it was not exactly the script of the first stage. Dourado’s first chance was at Rikelme’s feet after the cross, the player took it from Lucas Perri and ended up narrowly missing the target. In the goal kick, Botafogo’s defense failed, giving a gift. Isidro Pitta finished with a cross and the Glorioso goalkeeper appeared to maintain the tie on the scoreboard.

Pushed in defense, Botafogo tried to connect directly to their two wingers, looking for the team’s top scorer, little used until that moment. The cariocas suffered considerably in the construction of plays and only finished once in the first half, in a long shot that didn’t even scare the goal saved by Walter. On the other hand, Dourado managed to produce easily, Wellington Silva and Fernando Sobral hindered the defensive system of the visiting team.

Second time

The leader’s posture changed completely with three substitutions in the interval. The match was more balanced, but nothing went in. Cuiabá continued to insist on some long-distance shots, but Perri was well positioned in the Botafogo goal. The biggest opportunity for the visiting team was in the 9th minute, involving their recent substitutes, Segovia found Luis Henrique after a failure in the defense, the attacker advanced and was brought down by Walter, a penalty scored and converted by Tiquinho Soares.

The pressure from the home team continued even with the bucket of cold water, the submissions were frequent, but only Fernando Sobral and Iury forced the Botafogo goalkeeper to make important saves. In the last move of the game, Segovia took advantage of Matheus Nascimento’s steal and did not pass by Walter, which could have increased the result.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB2lDn43xRs
_{The best moments of the match. (Video: Playback/Youtube)}

The important victory away from home left Botafogo more leader than ever in the Brasileirão, adding 27 points conquered, five in front of Palmeiras in second, with 22. sixth in the table with 12 points, one ahead of the first member of Z4. Glorioso’s next match is a kind of “early final” on Sunday (25) against Palmeiras, in São Paulo, at 4 pm. Dourado will only play again on Monday (26th) against Vasco, at 21:00, in São Januário.

Featured Photo: Tiquinho Soares celebrating Botafogo’s winning goal. Playback/Twitter