Botafogo showcased impressive skill and composure, taking down Fortaleza with a score of 4-2 in a hard-fought encounter during the 38th round of the Brasileirao. The home team marked the score sheet with goals from Arthur Cabral (47’ of the 2nd half), Álvaro Montoro (49’ of the 1st half), Fernando Marçal (38’ of the 2nd half), and Mateo Ponte (49’ of the 2nd half). Fortaleza countered with goals from Breno Lopes (16’ of the 1st half) and Adam Bareiro, who scored a penalty at the 55th minute.
Mateo Ponte earned applause for his stellar finish in the dying moments of the game, scoring at the 49th minute of the second half after receiving a precise cross from Kauan Toledo, striking with accuracy from the penalty area.
Earlier in the match, Botafogo had a near-miss that could have leveled the game, with Artur’s shot hitting the woodwork.
Álvaro Montoro was the standout player, contributing significantly with one goal while attempting four shots on target, establishing him as the key player of the match.
Arthur Cabral also had an excellent performance, netting a goal and attempting three shots on target.
Under the guidance of coach Davide Ancelotti, Botafogo lined up in a tactical 4-5-1 formation with Raul Steffens in goal; Vitinho, Fernando Marçal, Gabriel Bahia, and Alex Telles in defense; Marlon Freitas, Allan, Jordan Barrera, Álvaro Montoro, and Artur in midfield; and Arthur Cabral leading the attack.
Conversely, Martín Palermo’s Fortaleza opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Brenno in goal; Eros Mancuso, Lucas Gazal, Gastón Ávila, and Diogo Barbosa in defense; Yago Pikachu, Pierre, Lucas Sasha, and Tomás Pochettino in the midfield; with Adam Bareiro and Breno Lopes upfront.
The match, officiated by Paulo Zanovelli da Silva, took place at the Engenhão Stadium.
With this victory, Botafogo climbs to sixth place in the league standings with 63 points, whereas Fortaleza remains in 18th place with 43 points.
Substitutions for Botafogo
67’ 2T – Artur replaced by Santiago Rodríguez; Alex Telles substituted by Cuiabano.
78’ 2T – Vitinho replaced by Mateo Ponte.
89’ 2T – Álvaro Montoro substituted by Newton; Jordan Barrera off for Kauan Toledo.
Yellow Cards for Botafogo:
42’ 2T – Alexander Barboza (Unsporting behavior); 45’ 2T – Kauan Toledo (Holding an opponent to prevent an advance).
Substitutions for Fortaleza
45’ 2T – Yago Pikachu replaced by Matheus Rossetto.
62’ 2T – Adam Bareiro off for Deyverson.
69’ 2T – Diogo Barbosa off for Weverson.
80’ 2T – Breno Lopes substituted by Rodrigo.
81’ 2T – Pierre off for Lucas Crispim.
Yellow Cards for Fortaleza:
39’ 1T – Eros Mancuso (Holding an opponent to prevent an advance); 48’ 1T – Adam Bareiro (Unsporting behavior); 46’ 2T – Rodrigo (Unsporting behavior).