For the first time in over six decades, Botafogo are back in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals, where they’ll host Peñarol at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos on Wednesday for the first leg of this thrilling tie. Botafogo edged past Sao Paulo in the quarter-finals, surviving a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, while the Uruguayans knocked out Flamengo 1-0 on aggregate in a defensive masterclass.
Botafogo come into this clash in stellar form, unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions, with seven wins. At home, they’ve been a fortress, losing just once in their last 16 games. Peñarol, however, have momentum of their own, riding a three-game winning streak and suffering only one defeat in their last nine outings.
Both sides boast impressive defensive records—Botafogo have kept 6 clean sheets in their last 10 home matches, while Peñarol have shut out their opponents 8 times in their last 10 away games.
These numbers set the stage for a fierce battle between two disciplined, winning sides that hate conceding goals—a clash where every blade of grass will be fought for until legs give out!
A draw here would be a dream scenario for Peñarol, setting them up perfectly to seal the deal in front of their home fans in Uruguay next week.
Botafogo fans have been waiting over 60 years for this moment - their team is back in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals for the first time since 1963, and the anticipation is electric. In their most recent outing, Botafogo drew 1-1 against Criciúma in Serie A, dominating with 74% possession and a crucial goal from Tiquinho Soares.
Unbeaten in four consecutive home games in this competition, with three wins, Botafogo have turned Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos into a fortress, going eight matches without defeat on home turf. As they prepare to host Peñarol, the atmosphere will be nothing short of intense.
However, Fogo might face this crucial first leg without key players Rafael and Jeffinho, both sidelined with knee injuries, and their goalkeeper Gatito Fernandez, suspended after a red card in the quarter-finals against Sao Paulo. Even with these absences, Botafogo's resilience at home makes them a force to be reckoned with.
This is a do-or-die moment for Botafogo, and with the Libertadores final within their grasp, they’ll need to dig deep and fight for every inch. Will Peñarol spoil the party, or can Fogo take one step closer to glory? The stage is set for a battle of wills!
BOTAFOGO predicted lineup vs PEÑAROL: John (GK); Vitinho, Bastos, Barboza, Telles; Gregore, Freitas; Martins, Savarino, Almada; Jesus.
Peñarol have made history as the first Uruguayan side to reach the Copa Libertadores semi-finals in over a decade, a feat last achieved by Defensor Sporting in 2014. Their recent form has been nothing short of impressive, and they are riding high after a 2-0 win over Boston River in the Primera División.
Away from home, Peñarol have been a force to be reckoned with, winning four of their last five matches across all competitions. Their stunning 1-0 victory over Flamengo in the quarter-finals was a testament to their grit and determination, propelling them to this crucial stage of the tournament.
Consistency has been key for Peñarol—heading into both legs of their quarter-final against Flamengo with nearly the same lineup. Only Camilo Mayada, who sat out the second leg, missed the return match.
Now, with a place in the final within reach, Peñarol will look to carry their momentum forward, confident they can upset the odds once again. Can they keep their dream alive, or will they stumble on the brink of glory? The pressure is mounting, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
PEÑAROL predicted lineup vs BOTAFOGO: Aguerre (GK); Milans, Mendez, Rodriguez, Olivera; Garcia, Darias; Cabrera, Fernandez, Baez; Silvera.
