Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Fluminense v Botafogo – 0:2
In a thrilling Brasileirão match, leaders Botafogo secured a sensational 2-0 win against Fluminense on matchday 26, marking their triumphant return to form. The match, which also served as Lúcio Flávio’s debut as Botafogo’s interim coach following Bruno Lage’s departure, showed the team’s resilience and tactical ability.
Botafogo took control at the start of the game, scoring two goals in two minutes – Junior Santos and the team’s top scorer, Tiquinho Soares, scored. It’s worth noting that the opponents hit the post once – at the end of the first half, with Kennedy, and in the middle of the second half, with Marlon Freitas. With this convincing win, Botafogo now have 55 points, extending their nine-point lead over second-placed Red Bull Bragantino.
Meanwhile, Fluminense, who reached the Libertadores final, currently occupy seventh place in the Campeonato Brasileiro standings with 41 points. The two teams will have a break due to the FIFA international date and will return to action on the 18th, with Botafogo facing América-MG and Fluminense hosting Corinthians in highly anticipated clashes.
Palmeiras – Santos – 1:2
Santos came from behind to beat Palmeiras 2-1 on matchday 26 of the Campeonato Brasileiro. In the 12th minute, Endrick hit the crossbar. The home side pressed and opened the scoring in the 43rd minute. Zé Rafael scored in the 45th minute after a corner taken by Rincón – 1-1. Marcos Leonardo brought glory to Santos in the second half. At the same time, in the 90th minute, Palmeiras scored a goal that was disallowed for offside.
Under Marcelo Fernandes, Santos picked up their third win in a row and moved out of the relegation zone. They now have 30 points and a three-point lead over Vasco. Palmeiras, in poor form, are 11 points behind leaders Botafogo. Palmeiras face Atlético-MG in the next round, while Santos will be looking to continue their winning streak against Red Bull Bragantino after the FIFA break.
Internacional – Grêmio – 3:2
Internacional dominated Gremio in the Gre-Nal derby on matchday 26 of the Brazilian Championship. The match started controversially – in the first minute Valencia demanded a penalty, but the referee ruled that there had been an offside during the attack. Five minutes later, Valencia opened the scoring, and there were no complaints about that goal.
Wanderson increased Internacional’s lead at the start of the second half. On the stroke of half time, João Pedro narrowed the gap with a shot from outside the area, but almost immediately (three minutes later) Alan Patrick restored the two-goal difference. Luis Suarez was able to respond immediately, but the visitors were unable to equalize.
The win restarted Internacional’s campaign, putting them in 12th place in the league with 32 points. Grêmio share 3rd and 5th place, with 44 points. Internacional will play Bahia and Gremio will host Atlético-PR after the FIFA break.