Thrilling Standoff: São Paulo and Botafogo Share Spoils in Intense 2-2 Draw

A high-level match was played yesterday between São Paulo and Botafogo at Morumbi. Two teams that justified their placement at the top of the Brasileirão table. Although the 2-2 draw did not secure the symbolic title for the first half, the alvinegro reached 40 points and remained in the lead. A script of twists and alternating moments could have ended in favor of either side, but the balance of successes and errors prevailed. Lucas Moura, Tiquinho, Cuiabano, and Ferreira scored.

• The match: Botafogo ends the first half of the Brasileirão in a draw with São Paulo, with a strong performance from Tiquinho
• Read more: Botafogo is the first team to score in every game of the first half in the points-based era

The balance was evident even in the penalty count. With less than 15 minutes of play, there was already one goal from penalties for each side. First, the referee awarded a foul by Bastos on Ferreira in the area. Lucas converted. Shortly after, a handball by the tricolor defense from a crossing play allowed Tiquinho to equalize the score.

The number 9, by the way, is finding his best form again. He scored for the second time in the last three games. Additionally, he made Botafogo the first team in the history of the points-based Brasileirão — which started in 2003 — to score in every match of the first half. Beyond being a sharp finisher, Tiquinho remains a reference for a team aiming for high aspirations this season, also impressing with his ability to organize play outside the box. At 21 minutes, it was he who set up Cuiabano in a good position in the area to get past Alan Franco’s marking and strike crosswise.

Botafogo launches their number 1 game uniform for the 2024/25 season

New main game jersey of Botafogo

Artur Jorge’s team stands out for these associations and positional inversions during matches. Dealing with some absences in the offensive sector, as significant as Júnior Santos and Eduardo, the Portuguese coach started the match with Tchê Tchê and gave more freedom to his left-back, who scored his third goal for the club.

The tone was set for a first half of good intensity, in which Botafogo had only 25% possession of the ball, but delivered many correct movements. However, the fatigue from the marathon of consecutive games dropped their performance in the second half. In addition, the team made an error early on, allowing Lucas Moura to advance among three players and leave Ferreira completely free in front of John to equalize.

• Backstage: Understand what led Botafogo to hire Pedro Martins, and what the new football director’s roles will be

From there, John became necessary again as a safety point to prevent the new turnaround. São Paulo also “helped” by missing several incredible goals, with Ferreira and Luciano.

One of the team’s creative pillars, Marlon Freitas had a performance well below expectations, making many passing errors and giving chances to the opponent. Furthermore, he and Cuiabano received their third yellow card and will miss the next match against Cruzeiro.

— A draw away from home was very good, but we know we could have done more. We know that playing away in the opponent’s home is always difficult, but we fought until the end. We did our best. We took this game here as a learning experience — declared Luiz Henrique, one of the best players on the field.

Last year, Botafogo finished the first half in the lead with a much larger margin. This year, the team is closely chased by Flamengo and Palmeiras. At the same time, the first 19 rounds leave a great impression.

Under Artur Jorge’s command, the team has regained competitiveness and shows maturity to score even in adverse situations. No wonder, it has one of the best away campaigns. The squad has evolved and has been receiving qualified players — yesterday, midfielder Allan made his debut. This weekend, the second part of the championship begins, facing Cruzeiro at home.