Botafogo and Palmeiras will face off today in the first leg of their round of 16 tie in the Copa Libertadores. The rivalry between these clubs is intense: they have two of the most expensive squads in the region and are favorites for the title, both in Brazil and on a continental level.
Recently, this rivalry has transcended the pitch and intensified with clashes between their managements. The owner of Botafogo, John Textor, reported last year an alleged match-fixing scheme aimed at harming his team in the championship they lost to Verdão, while the president of Palmeiras, Leila Pereira, called for the “expulsion” of the American businessman from football due to his “irresponsible” accusations.
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These allegations are no longer merely sporting: Textor has presented supposed evidence of corruption in football to congressional committees investigating the issue. His claims extend beyond Palmeiras and also target the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Meanwhile, Botafogo’s significant investments have allowed the club to bring in valuable reinforcements, such as Luiz Henrique and Thiago Almada. Currently first in the Brasileirão, qualified for the round of 16 in the Libertadores as the second in their group, and eliminated from the Copa do Brasil, this financial power has yet to translate into titles.
For the Copa match, which will take place at 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at the Nilton Santos Stadium, coach Arthur Jorge welcomes back one of his key players, Tiquinho Soares, although Júnior Santos, one of his scoring options this season, remains sidelined due to injury. This will also be Almada’s international debut with the team; the Argentine World Cup champion from Qatar 2022 made his debut last Sunday.
On the other hand, Palmeiras arrives at the match amid a mini football crisis. They haven’t won in their last four local league matches, with two draws and two losses, and were eliminated from the Copa do Brasil last week by Flamengo.
The good news for Abel Ferreira’s team could be the return of Estêvão Willian, the 17-year-old prodigy already sold to Chelsea, who suffered an ankle injury two weeks ago. Conversely, the Portuguese coach will be without captain Dudu, who is injured, and Colombian Richard Rios, who is suspended.
