Botafogo Survives Late Grêmio Comeback in Five-Goal Thriller at Nilton Santos
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Botafogo withstood a spirited Grêmio fightback to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory at Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos on Saturday, delighting the home supporters with an entertaining display of attacking football.
The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock after just 15 minutes when Cuiabano found the net with a right-footed shot from close range. The early goal energized both the crowd and the Botafogo players, who doubled their advantage just four minutes later. Artur finished clinically with a left-footed strike to the bottom left corner following a lightning-fast counterattack, with Danilo providing the assist before being forced off with an injury eight minutes later.
The match took another dramatic turn shortly after the halftime break when Grêmio pulled a goal back in the 49th minute. André Henrique reduced the deficit with a well-placed header to the bottom left corner from Cristian Pavón's precise cross, breathing new life into the visitors' hopes of a comeback.
As tensions rose in the second half, the referee's notebook filled quickly with six yellow cards distributed between the 50th and 78th minutes. The physical nature of the contest reflected the high stakes, with both sides refusing to yield ground in the midfield battle. Botafogo, however, maintained their composure and restored their two-goal cushion in the 83rd minute when Marçal powered home a header to the bottom right corner. The defender rose highest to meet David Ricardo's headed pass following a corner kick, sending the home fans into rapturous celebration.
Grêmio continued to show admirable resilience and were rewarded for their persistence in the 90th minute. Carlos Vinícius converted from close range with a left-footed finish after Cristian Pavón, influential throughout the match with his second assist of the day, delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Despite the late goal creating a nervous finale, Botafogo held firm to secure all three points.
The victory showcased Botafogo's attacking prowess and defensive resilience, particularly in the face of Grêmio's determined second-half performance. The Rio de Janeiro side's early dominance ultimately proved decisive in a contest that featured moments of individual brilliance from players on both teams, leaving the home supporters celebrating a hard-fought but thoroughly deserved triumph.