In football, there is bound to be misfortune. One team almost always loses, leaving their opponents in regrets. Botafogo, once hailed for its rich legacy, boasting legends like Garrincha and Jairzinho, faced a reality where their 13-point lead in the Brazilian league slipped through their grasp. Palmeiras now stands on the brink of securing the title—a rare turn of events in South American football
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In the final round, Botafogo’s devoted fans were hopeful as they anticipated the showdown with Internacional. While at the fifth position, the Rio de Janeiro club hoped for a fourth-place finish, a position guaranteeing direct entry into the next Copa Libertadores. Yet they were let down again with a 3 – 1 loss to Internacional.
Fim de jogo: Internacional 3 x 1 Botafogo.
📸 Vítor Silva/ BFR pic.twitter.com/mawUEiBjji
— Botafogo F.R. (@Botafogo) December 7, 2023
Palmeiras is in a good position to win the championship. They don’t have to win their last game, and even if they lose to Cruzeiro, they can still clinch the title unless Atletico Mineiro makes a massive comeback and erases an eight-goal difference. Flamengo also has a slim chance, but their hopes depend on other teams’ results falling into place.
Problems in Botafogo’s home
After Botafogo faced recent challenges, the club’s story took an unforeseen twist when American magnate John Textor acquired its soccer division. The change in ownership fueled high hopes, elevating fans’ modest dreams to grand visions. Amidst this shift, veteran striker Diego Costa emphasizes the importance of humility, urging everyone to learn valuable lessons from this humbling setback.
The departure of Portuguese coach Luis Castro in June might have played a role in Botafogo’s downfall. Successors Bruno Lage, Lucio Flavio, and Tiago Nunes grappled to sustain the team’s strength of will and attacking prowess. Particularly sad was the home match against Palmeiras, where a 3-0 lead dissolved into a 3-4 defeat.
