Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Botafogo have once again won the title of best away team in the Brasileirão, overtaking Flamengo after their recent win against Fluminense. With a 53.8% advantage in points won away from home, Botafogo now lead, while Flamengo’s position fell to 52.4% after their draw with Corinthians. Although Flamengo have more points away from home (22 compared to Botafogo’s 21), the fact that they have played one more match emphasizes Botafogo’s remarkable away form.
Previously, Botafogo had momentarily lost that title after a defeat to Atlético-MG on matchday 23. However, they have the chance to reclaim first place in the next round, when Botafogo face América-MG and Flamengo take on Cruzeiro. It’s interesting to note that in the last 12 years, the best away team has often won the Campeonato Brasileiro, which gives this competition extra significance.
On the other hand, clubs from Minas Gerais have shown their strength as visitors in the Brasileirão. Atlético-MG, ninth in the standings with 40 points, have the third best away record, with a 48.7% record and 19 points as visitors. Cruzeiro, currently in 15th place in the standings with 30 points, are in fifth place in terms of points scored away from home, with a 44% record and 16 points won.
On the other hand, clubs like Grêmio and Internacional from Rio Grande do Sul, despite occupying higher positions in the overall standings (3rd and 12th respectively), faced challenges when playing away from home. Gremio have only the 11th best away record, with a success rate of 30.8%, while Internacional occupy 13th place, having won just 11 points as visitors, which translates into a success rate of 28%.
The big difference between home and away performances significantly influences the overall standings in the Brasileirão. Usually, the teams that excel in home performance are also near the top of the overall standings. The top four teams in the standings – Botafogo, Grêmio, Palmeiras and Bragantino – all occupy the top five positions in the standings at home. However, there are exceptions, such as Fluminense and São Paulo, who perform well at home but struggle when they play away.
Finally, the match between Cuiabá and Cruzeiro, in the 26th round of the Brasileirão, has been postponed to Saturday due to the fact that the Arena Pantanal pitch is reserved for the Brazilian national team’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.