In a commanding performance, Botafogo secured a dominant 4-0 victory against Cruzeiro during Matchday 1 of the Brasileirao, highlighted by a double from Danilo. The team, managed by Martín Anselmi, showcased their prowess on the field, especially Danilo, who displayed exceptional form with goals in the 2nd and 39th minutes of the second half. Both Matheus Martins (30’) and Artur (45’) also contributed to the overwhelming scoreline with their strikes.
Artur electrified the crowd with his goal just before the end of the match, firing the ball into the bottom left corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance after an assist from Matheus Martins.
Danilo was undoubtedly the standout player, scoring two goals and taking three shots at goal, demonstrating his attacking intent throughout the match.
Defensively, Vitinho was instrumental for Botafogo, successfully clearing four threats from the danger zone, solidifying the team’s backline.
Martín Anselmi set up a strategic 4-5-1 formation, featuring Neto in goal, with Vitinho, Mateo Ponte, Alexander Barboza, and Alex Telles forming the defense. In the midfield, Newton, Allan, Danilo, Álvaro Montoro, and Santiago Rodríguez operated, while Arthur Cabral led the attack.
On the other side, Cruzeiro, under Tite’s management, employed a 4-4-2 formation, with Cássio guarding the net. The backline consisted of Fágner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan, and Kaiki Bruno. The midfield saw Lucas Romero, Lucas Silva, Gérson, and Matheus Pereira, while the forward positions were filled by Wanderson and Kaio Jorge.
The match, officiated by Matheus Delgado Candançan at the Engenhão stadium, saw Botafogo walk away with three points, placing them at the top of the league table, while Cruzeiro remains at the bottom with no points collected.
In the upcoming match, Botafogo is set to face Grêmio, while Cruzeiro will host Coritiba.
Substitutions for Botafogo:
61’ 2T – Arthur Cabral off for Matheus Martins
62’ 2T – Allan off for Artur
79’ 2T – Alex Telles off for Fernando Marçal and Álvaro Montoro off for Nathan Fernandes
86’ 2T – Santiago Rodríguez off for Jordan Barrera
Cautions for Botafogo:
48’ 1T – Allan (Unsporting behavior) and 17’ 2T – Martín Anselmi (Insulting or disapproving the referee)
Substitutions for Cruzeiro:
55’ 2T – Wanderson off for Keny Arroyo
64’ 2T – Lucas Silva off for Christian
77’ 2T – Gérson off for Kaique Kenji, Lucas Romero off for Matheus Henrique, and Jonathan off for João Marcelo
Cautions for Cruzeiro:
16’ 1T – Lucas Silva (Unsporting behavior) and 37’ 2T – Kaique Kenji (Unsporting behavior)