Alvinegro is fighting for a direct place in the group stage of the Libertadores. Liao, in turn, is trying to escape relegation
December 6
2025
– 09:36
(Updated at 9:36 a.m.)
All or nothing. With different goals, Botafogo and Fortaleza will face each other on Sunday (7), at 4pm (Brasilia time), at the Nilton Santos Stadium, in the 38th round of the Brazilian League. On the other hand, Alvinegro needs a win to have a chance of getting a direct place in the group stage of the Libertadores. But on the other hand, Liao seeks to win to remain in the first division in 2026.
Botafogo occupies seventh place with 60 points, and needs a win and hope for a draw between Fluminense and Bahia, who face each other on the same day and time, at the Maracanã Stadium. On the other hand, Fortaleza relies solely on itself to remain among the elite of Brazilian football. It ranks 16th with 43 points. In the event of victory, it confirms permanence. However, if they falter, they will have to hope Vitoria and Inter falter.
Where to watch
The match will be broadcast on Globo (open TV) and Premiere (pay-per-view).
How to get to Botafogo?
Botafogo suffered in the struggle for a direct place in the group stage of the Libertadores, but is still alive. After all, they have to beat Fortaleza and hope for a draw between Fluminense and Bahia, who face each other at the Maracanã. In fact, coach Davide Ancelotti asked for support from the fans in the last match of the season.
For the match against Fortaleza, Botafogo has some problems to solve. After all, defender David Ricardo, for example, received a red card in the draw with Cruzeiro and will be suspended. Thus, defender Gabriel became coach David Ancelotti’s only option to form a duo with Marsal, who was playing impromptu. There are doubts about the participation of Barboza, who is recovering from a knee strain.
In addition to the problems in the defensive system, the coach also suffers from absences on the offensive side. After all, midfielders Savarino and Joaquin Correa are absent due to muscle injuries. Finally, goalkeepers Leo Link and Neto also missed the season due to injury and are undergoing treatment in the medical department.
How to get to Fortaleza
In the battle against relegation, Fortaleza is arriving strongly. After all, Leao has won his last four Brazilian league matches and left the relegation zone. Without losing in nine matches, the team, led by Argentine coach Martin Palermo, responded, and now relies solely on itself to remain among the elite of Brazilian football.
Since the arrival of Martin Palermo, Fortaleza has enjoyed a G4. This period included 16 matches, eight victories, four draws and four defeats. In the last nine matches, the team achieved four wins and five draws. So, Liao arrives ready for the final match of the year. For the duel with Botafogo, the Argentine coach must have maximum strength at his disposal.
Botafogo
Brazilian Championship – Round 38
Date and time: 12/07/2025 at 4pm (Brasilia time)
location: Nilton Santos, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Botafogo: Raoul; Vitinho, Gabriel Bahia, Marsal and Alex Telles; Marlon Freitas, Alan Montoro; Barrera, Arthur, and Arthur Cabral. idiomatic: David Ancelotti
power: brino; Mancuso, Pretz, Avila and Diogo Barbosa; Lucas Sacha, Matheus Pereira, and Thomas Pochettino; Yago Pikachu, Breno Lopez and Barrero. idiomatic: Martin Palermo
arbitrator:Paolo Cesare Zanovelli da Silva (MG)
Helpers: Guilherme Dias Camilo (MG) and Celso Luiz da Silva (MG)
Video Assistant Referee: Wagner Reway (SC)
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