In a riveting match for the 36th round of the Brasileirao, Corinthians and Botafogo finished level at 2-2 at the Arena Corinthians this Sunday.
Corinthians started off strong, taking the lead in the 6th minute thanks to a brilliant goal from Raniele, who found the back of the net after a precise assist from Dieguinho, placing the ball into the bottom right corner where the goalkeeper had no chance.
However, Botafogo quickly responded in the second half, equalizing the score through Cuiabano in the 14th minute, before taking a temporary lead with a goal from Jordan Barrera in the 21st minute. Not to be outdone, Corinthians equalized again with a strike from Gustavo Henrique in the 36th minute of the second half, bringing the teams back to level terms.
Jordan Barrera stood out as the best player of the match, contributing significantly with one goal and two attempts on target for Botafogo. Meanwhile, Gustavo Henrique not only delivered a key defensive performance but also scored for Corinthians, evidencing his capability on both ends of the pitch.
Corinthians’ manager, Dorival Júnior, opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Hugo Souza in goal, a defensive line of Matheuzinho, João Pedro, Gustavo Henrique, and Matheus Bidu, while the midfield featured Breno Bidon, Raniele, André Carrillo, and Rodrigo Garro, with Dieguinho and Yuri Alberto leading the attack.
On the other hand, Botafogo, managed by Davide Ancelotti, employed a 4-3-3 formation, with Léo Linck guarding the net; a back line comprised of Mateo Ponte, Fernando Marçal, David Ricardo, and Cuiabano; a midfield trio of Newton, Marlon Freitas, and Jefferson Savarino; and a front line including Artur, Kadir Barría, and Joaquín Correa.
Referee Jonathan Benkenstein Pinheiro officiated the match, which saw several bookings, including three yellow cards for Corinthians in the second half, while Botafogo received three yellows and one red card for Jefferson Savarino just after halftime.
Looking ahead, Corinthians will next face Fortaleza away, while Botafogo will visit Cruzeiro. With this draw, Corinthians remains at 46 points, sitting in ninth place, while Botafogo holds firm at 59 points in fifth position.
Substitutions for Corinthians
61’ 2T – André Carrillo out for Maycon; Breno Bidon out for André Dias
73’ 2T – Dieguinho out for Gui Negão; Rodrigo Garro out for Vitinho
74’ 2T – Matheus Bidu out for Fabrizio Angileri
Bookings for Corinthians:
10’ 2T – Raniele (Unsporting behavior); 43’ 2T – Matheuzinho (Unsporting behavior); 48’ 2T – Maycon (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Botafogo
30’ 1T – Jefferson Savarino out for Álvaro Montoro
45’ 2T – Newton out for Allan; Joaquín Correa out for Jordan Barrera
56’ 2T – Kadir Barría out for Arthur Cabral
69’ 2T – Álvaro Montoro out for Santiago Rodríguez
Bookings for Botafogo:
32’ 1T – Mateo Ponte (Unsporting behavior); 40’ 1T – Newton (Unsporting behavior); 40’ 2T – Allan (Inappropriate comments towards the referee)
Red Card for Botafogo:
48’ 2T – Jefferson Savarino (Direct red card)