Luiz Henrique (R) of Botafogo celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the match ... [+]
Botafogo will have to pause its quest for Brazilian title glory as the international break is upon us once again, but despite Flamengo claiming the ‘Copa do Brasil’ this weekend, Botafogo has two shiny silver trophies within touching distance when domestic football returns. The Brazilian league season will resume on the weekend of November 20th, and with just five rounds of games to go we are set for yet another incredible finish to the season.
Botafogo is in first place, four points ahead of Palmeiras. The two teams that did battle until the last second, last year, look set to go all the way yet again. Of course Palmerias believes it can snatch this title, which would be its third on the bounce, whilst Botafogo fans believe that this will be their first national league title this century.
Players of Palmeiras celebrate with the champion trophy after winning the match between Cruzeiro and ... [+]
In addition, Botafogo will travel to Buenos Aires for the Copa Libertadores final on November 30th. Will this continental trip alter domestic form? Botafogo face fellow Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro in a final that will see a Brasilerão side crowned champion of South America for the sixth year in a row. The Rio de Janeiro based club will hope that a chance of winning two trophies, doesn’t leave them with nothing yet again.
One piece of silverware for this year has just been handed out in Brazil though, and the Copa Brasil 2024 has been won by giants Flamengo. Botafogo’s Rio rivals defeated their Copa Libertadores opponents Mineiro over two legs to win the Brazilian cup and claim what will likely be the only trophy won by Flamengo this season. Mineiro and Botafogo will both be feeling the pressure, but at least one of them will win the biggest continental prize of all in Argentina at the end of the month.
Gerson (L) and Bruno Henrique (R) of Flamengo lift the Copa Do Brasil 2024 Champions Trophy as they ... [+]
In the league, as mentioned, Botafogo has a certain but slender advantage at the top. A lead not nearly as great as the one it managed to throw away last season. As a team, Botafogo has displayed some of the best football in Brazil this season, but this battle will be a mental one as they try to ensure the same mistakes aren’t made again, and the trophy drought finally ceases.
Botafogo also have to travel to Belo Horizonte to play Atlético Mineiro in a league game, and crucially must also visit Palmeiras’ stadium in what could be built up as an epic title showdown in São Paulo.
Botafogo must contend with all of this and the Copa Libertadores final in the next three weeks, it will be the make or break period of their season, and absolutely everything is on the line. After this run Botafogo might be looking oh so empty, or perhaps being called the best team in both Brazil and South America.
The bounce of the ball might make all the difference as fine margins will mark Botafogo and South American football history.