Author: Soorya G
Botafogo (Bra) – Defense and Justice (Arg) – 1:1
Botafogo, leaders of the Brazilian Championship, were unable to repeat the example of their compatriots Corinthians in the quarter-finals of the Copa Sudamericana, drawing 1-1 with Defensa y Justicia of Argentina.
Four years ago, in the 2019 season, these rivals met in the first qualifying round of the Copa Sudamericana. Botafogo won twice – 1-0 at home and 3-0 in Argentina.
The league leaders’ lead, which was taken with midfielder Gabriel’s header at the start of the second half, was cancelled out by Argentinian right-back Nicolas Tripichio’s goal with fifteen minutes remaining, and the visitors took home a clear advantage in the tie ahead of the return leg. However, it’s interesting to note that the away side were nothing like their rivals Estudiantes, who stayed back and instead counter-attacked more and more to put pressure on Botafogo’s defense.
While Corinthians squandered many glorious chances to score, both in the first and second half, the same cannot be said of Botafogo, who were not at their best in midfield. Creative ideas seemed scarce for the hosts, who failed to take advantage of the favorable atmosphere at the Nilton Santos Stadium in the Brazilian capital.
The only bright spot for Botafogo came from right-back Che Che, who was in top form, creating three chances for his team, the first of which was taken by Gabriel. In the 57th minute, he closed down a cross with his head – the ball, hitting the post, ended up going into the goal – 1-0.
It looked as if the match would end, as it did four years ago, with a narrow victory for Botafogo, but the reality turned out to be different. In the 75th minute, Gaston Togni received a pass in the box and shot narrowly wide of the right post. For the hosts, this should have been a signal to concentrate, but three minutes later Julian Lopez created a chance for Nicolas Fernandez, which was saved, falling to Tripichio, whose first shot was also saved by Roberto Fernandez, before falling to his feet again when he scored the equalizer from close range.
Despite the neutral result, Defensa will be the happier team, as they have a clean slate for the decisive home game. The fate of a ticket to the semi-finals will be decided in Argentina.