Grêmio faced Botafogo in a thrilling encounter that ended 1-1 during the 16th round of the Brasileirao at Arena do Grêmio.
Botafogo took the lead early in the second half thanks to a goal from Cuiabano in the 52nd minute, but Grêmio fought back, leveling the score just before the end of the match with a penalty converted by Tiago Volpi in the 89th minute.
In a nail-biting finish, Alex Santana of Botafogo nearly clinched a win for his team in the 94th minute, only to see his shot hit the post.
Tiago Volpi was undoubtedly the star of the match, not only scoring the equalizer but also making three crucial saves throughout the game.
Cuiabano also had an impressive performance, as he helped his team defensively by scoring a goal and clearing four dangerous balls away.
Grêmio’s coach, Thiago Kosloski, lined up a 4-5-1 formation featuring Tiago Volpi in goal; a backline of Marcos Rocha, Erick Noriega, Walter Kannemann, and Marlon; a midfield consisting of Dodi, Gustavo Martins, Cristian Pavón, Edenílson, and Willian; with André Henrique leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Davide Ancelotti’s Botafogo adopted a 4-4-2 setup, with Léo Linck in goal; a defense composed of Vitinho, Kaio Pantaleão, Alexander Barboza, and Alex Telles; a midfield featuring Newton, Marlon Freitas, Artur, and Jeffinho; and Matheus Martins paired with Arthur Cabral up front.
The match was officiated by referee Lucas Torezin.
Looking ahead, Grêmio will host Vitória in their next match, while Botafogo will travel to play against Fluminense.
After this draw, Grêmio now has 29 points, sitting in 11th place, while Botafogo remains in 5th place with 40 points in the league standings.
Substitutions for Grêmio:
45’ 2T – Cristian Pavón out for Alysson Edward; Erick Noriega out for Alex Santana
65’ 2T – Edenílson out for Cristian Olivera
69’ 2T – Willian out for Franco Cristaldo
77’ 2T – André Henrique out for Jardiel
Yellow Card for Grêmio:
32’ 1T – Marcos Rocha (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
Substitutions for Botafogo:
24’ 1T – Alex Telles out for Cuiabano
62’ 2T – Jeffinho out for Mateo Ponte
92’ 2T – Artur out for Kadir Barría
Yellow Cards for Botafogo:
37’ 2T – Marlon Freitas (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
42’ 2T – Alexander Barboza (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
53’ 2T – Kaio Pantaleão (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
Red Card for Botafogo:
53’ 2T – Kaio Pantaleão (Red for second yellow card)