Palmeiras became the first team to book a place in the quarter-finals of the revamped FIFA Club World Cup after edging fellow Brazilian side Botafogo 1-0 in extra time on Thursday in Philadelphia.
A tight and physical all-Brazilian contest was decided by substitute Paulinho’s strike in the second half of extra time, ending Botafogo’s hopes and continuing their troubling run of 1-0 defeats [now eight in a row].
The match, played at Lincoln Financial Field, had the feel of a domestic derby despite being on the world stage, with both teams familiar foes from Brazilian football.
Palmeiras started brighter and created early chances, including a near miss from Vitor Roque. But tempers flared quickly, with numerous fouls and bookings disrupting any attacking rhythm.
By halftime, both sides had shown more grit than quality.
The second half saw Palmeiras increase the pressure, with 17-year-old Estêvão coming alive to force multiple saves from Botafogo goalkeeper John.
Botafogo had few clear chances of their own but remained organized.
As full-time approached, Palmeiras came closest when Maurício’s header was spectacularly denied, but the deadlock remained.
Extra time followed a similar pattern, with Palmeiras continuing to ask more questions in the final third.
The breakthrough came ten minutes into the added period, when Paulinho turned cleverly inside the box and fired into the far corner.
Botafogo pushed for a response and were given late hope when Palmeiras captain Gustavo Gómez received a second yellow card, but they couldn’t capitalise with the man advantage.
With the win, Palmeiras move into the last eight of the competition, awaiting the winner between Chelsea and Benfica.
Botafogo, who defeated Palmeiras en route to their 2024 Copa Libertadores title, exit the tournament early and will now refocus on their domestic campaign in the Brazilian top flight.
