In a stunning display of football, Botafogo overwhelmed Cruzeiro with a decisive 4-0 win during the first matchday of the Brasileirao. The star of the show was Danilo, who showcased his exceptional form by netting two goals. He opened the scoring with a magnificent strike early in the second half and then added another with a header at the 39th minute of the second half.
Matheus Martins contributed with a goal in the 30th minute of the second half, and Artur capped off the scoring just before full-time, sending the home crowd into a frenzy with a powerful shot into the left corner after receiving a pass from Martins.
Danilo’s performance positioned him as the standout player, as he not only scored two goals but also had three attempts on target, making a significant impact on the game.
Vitinho, on the defensive end, was another key player. The Botafogo defender successfully cleared four threats from the danger zone, ensuring a solid backline throughout the match.
Coach Martín Anselmi implemented a 4-5-1 strategy, fielding Neto in goal, with Vitinho, Mateo Ponte, Alexander Barboza, and Alex Telles forming the defense. The midfield consisted of Newton, Allan, Danilo, Álvaro Montoro, and Santiago Rodríguez, with Arthur Cabral leading the attack.
On the other side, Cruzeiro, managed by Tite, opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Cássio in goal, supported defensively by Fágner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan, and Kaiki Bruno. Their midfield included Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Gérson, and Matheus Pereira, whilst Wanderson and Kaio Jorge took up the forward positions.
The match at the Engenhão was officiated by referee Matheus Delgado Candançan.
Looking ahead, Botafogo will face Grêmio in their next outing, while Cruzeiro is set to play at home against Coritiba. Following this match, Botafogo sits proudly at the top of the standings with 3 points, whereas Cruzeiro remains in last place without any points.
Substitutions for Botafogo
61’ 2T – Arthur Cabral out for Matheus Martins
62’ 2T – Allan out for Artur
79’ 2T – Alex Telles out for Fernando Marçal and Álvaro Montoro out for Nathan Fernandes
86’ 2T – Santiago Rodríguez out for Jordan Barrera
Yellow Cards for Botafogo:
48’ 1T – Allan (Unsporting behavior)
17’ 2T – Martín Anselmi (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
Substitutions for Cruzeiro
55’ 2T – Wanderson out for Keny Arroyo
64’ 2T – Lucas Silva out for Christian
77’ 2T – Gérson out for Kaique Kenji, Lucas Romero out for Matheus Henrique, and Jonathan out for João Marcelo
Yellow Cards for Cruzeiro:
16’ 1T – Lucas Silva (Unsporting behavior)
37’ 2T – Kaique Kenji (Unsporting behavior)