Anselmi praises Botafogo youngsters’ bravery in Boavista draw

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Gazeta Esportiva.com

·1 March 2026

Anselmi praises Botafogo youngsters’ bravery in Boavista draw

The below-average performance of Botafogo against Boavista did not dampen Martín Anselmi's enthusiasm. In a press conference after the 0-0 draw at Nilton Santos, the coach highlighted how the young alvinegro athletes knew how to conduct themselves against an opponent that posed difficulties in the Taça Rio semifinal.

“We started the game winning 2-0, from the previous match. We expected a more aggressive Boavista in their approach to the game. We were patient with the ball and defended ourselves while trying to create an opportunity. That was the tone of the first half. From the second half, the game opened up. I am pleased with the attitude of the boys, with the courage they have to play. That makes me proud,” he said.

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Focus on Barcelona de Guayaquil

Anselmi shared how the Alvinegro is gearing up for the match against Barcelona de Guayaquil, in the Libertadores.

“We are already looking at Barcelona. It is a rival I know, I know many players on the team, I have faced many of them, played there many times... I know the field and the fans, I know the coach too. It is a big rival, one of the biggest in Ecuador, which has good players, quality players who know how to make a difference, who fought in a match against a rival that plays the best in Argentina, Argentinos Juniors, managed a victory at their home and eliminated them on penalties,” he said.

And he detailed:

“We are already working for the game, tomorrow we will continue. I understand that the first leg is very important. We don't want to speculate the game at our home, now there is no altitude, the conditions are the same, only we are visitors. We have to go there, do our job and try to bring the victory, which is what will allow us to advance. I don't like to speculate in knockout stages in the first game. I want the victory,” he concluded.

The match against Barcelona de Guayaquil takes place on Tuesday at 9:30 PM.

* By Gazeta Press

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