The Palmeiras vs Botafogo lineups from the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 highlighted two contrasting tactical visions. Palmeiras fielded a balanced 4-2-3-1 system that blended defensive security with explosive attacking potential. Botafogo, on the other hand, opted for a compact 4-5-1 formation, aiming to frustrate their rivals and strike on the counter.
This contest, played in June 2025, ended with Palmeiras advancing after a 1–0 victory in extra time, thanks to a decisive substitution and a disciplined team performance despite going down to ten men late in the game.
Palmeiras vs Botafogo Lineups: Starting Elevens
Palmeiras Starting XI
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Goalkeeper: Weverton
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Defenders: Agustín Giay, Gustavo Gómez (c), Bruno Fuchs, Joaquín Piquerez
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Midfielders: Richard Ríos, Emiliano Martínez, Allan, Mauricio, Estevão
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Forward: Vítor Roque
Substitutions:
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Paulinho replaced Estevão (64’) and scored the winning goal.
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Facundo Torres substituted Mauricio (85’), adding fresh energy.
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Aníbal Moreno came in during extra time to stabilize the midfield.
Botafogo Starting XI
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Goalkeeper: John
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Defenders: Vitinho, Jair Cunha, Alexander Barboza, Alex Telles
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Midfielders: Allan Marques, Danilo Barbosa, Marlon Freitas, Artur, Igor Jesus
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Forward: Jefferson Savarino
Substitutions:
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Correa and Montoro entered to bolster energy late on, though without significant attacking impact.
Palmeiras vs Botafogo Lineups: Tactical Breakdown
Palmeiras Tactical Shape
Abel Ferreira’s side deployed a 4-2-3-1 that frequently shifted into a 4-3-3. Richard Ríos and Emiliano Martínez anchored the midfield, while Allan pushed higher to connect with Mauricio and Estevão. Vítor Roque stayed central, aiming to exploit space behind Botafogo’s defenders.
Botafogo Tactical Shape
Botafogo set up in a deep 4-5-1 block, looking to restrict Palmeiras’ creativity. The midfield trio of Allan Marques, Danilo Barbosa, and Marlon Freitas worked tirelessly, but with Savarino isolated up front, their ability to counterattack effectively was limited.
Key Moments Shaped by the Lineups
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First Half Stalemate
Botafogo’s dense midfield limited Palmeiras’ rhythm. Roque had few chances, while Estevão’s pace was neutralized by Alex Telles. -
Paulinho’s Impact
The substitution of Paulinho for Estevão proved decisive. In the 100th minute of extra time, he latched onto a pass from Ríos and finished calmly to give Palmeiras the lead. -
Red Card Drama
Captain Gustavo Gómez received a red card in the 116th minute, forcing Palmeiras to defend with ten men. Ferreira reshaped his lineup to a 4-4-1, holding on under pressure.
How Substitutions Influenced the Game
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Palmeiras:
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Paulinho’s entrance changed the tempo; his goal validated Ferreira’s strategy.
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Moreno’s introduction after the red card reinforced midfield balance.
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Botafogo:
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Substitutes offered energy but no creativity. With a defensive base and a lone striker, they lacked penetration in the final third.
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Palmeiras vs Botafogo Lineups: Lessons Learned
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Palmeiras’ Squad Depth Wins Games
Effective use of substitutes allowed Palmeiras to unlock a tight match and survive numerical disadvantage. -
Botafogo’s Rigid Setup
A five-man midfield helped them defend but exposed a lack of flexibility. Without adjustments, they couldn’t generate enough attacking pressure. -
Discipline Matters
Despite losing Gómez, Palmeiras’ discipline in defense and composure in midfield carried them through the final minutes.
Historical Context of Palmeiras vs Botafogo Lineups
In domestic league play, these two clubs have a storied rivalry. Palmeiras had struggled against Botafogo in recent years, failing to beat them in the previous four encounters. This Club World Cup triumph was more than just progression—it symbolized a psychological edge reclaimed.
Looking Ahead
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Palmeiras: With versatile options like Paulinho, Torres, and Moreno, Ferreira’s side looks capable of rotating effectively as they push deeper into the Club World Cup.
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Botafogo: The game exposed a need for more creativity and attacking dynamism. Future lineups may require adjustments, perhaps shifting to a two-striker formation or introducing more offensive midfielders.
Conclusion
The Palmeiras vs Botafogo lineups underscored the importance of tactical flexibility, squad depth, and in-game management. Palmeiras’ substitutions and adaptability carried them to victory, while Botafogo’s conservative shape limited their attacking ambitions.
As the rivalry continues, both clubs will look to refine their strategies—Palmeiras to maintain momentum, Botafogo to find a balance between solidity and creativity.
