Botafogo play down direct Copa Libertadores spot | OneFootball

The main goal for Botafogo in this final stretch of the year has been achieved: qualification for the Copa Libertadores. A direct spot in the group stage is possible. However, coach Davide Ancelotti and the management have been trying to ease the weight and pressure in pursuit of this goal.

With 58 points, Botafogo will return to the G-5, the direct qualification zone for the group stage, if they draw with Corinthians in São Paulo. The teams will face off at the Neo Química Arena this Sunday at 4 PM (Brasília time).

Botafogo has the same points as Fluminense but is at a disadvantage in the tiebreaker criteria. Bahia is in the running with one point less.

Regardless of securing a direct spot in the group stage or not, John Textor assures that Botafogo will build a strong team.

“We are making ambitious plans for the next Brazilian football season, starting in January,” Textor said in an interview with “Canal do TF.”

The director was heavily criticized in 2025 for delaying the year's planning.

Changes to face Corinthians

For the match against Corinthians, Botafogo will have changes compared to the 3-2 victory over Grêmio. Left-back Alex Telles returns from suspension and takes Cuiabano's place. Right-back Vitinho, suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, will be replaced by Mateo Ponte. Meanwhile, midfielder Danilo, with a left thigh injury, will be substituted by Newton.

Ancelotti is expected to announce the team minutes before the match. A tentative lineup is: Léo Linck, Mateo Ponte, Alexander Barboza, David Ricardo, and Alex Telles; Newton, Marlon Freitas, and Jefferson Savarino; Artur, Kadir, and Joaquín Correa.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.