By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 29, 2025 01:57 AM • 99 views
In a night marked by tension, history, and high summer heat, it was Paulinho who emerged as the hero. The Palmeiras substitute fired home a stunning solo goal in the 100th minute to hand his side a hard-fought 1-0 victory over domestic rivals Botafogo, securing a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup. The clash, played under the humid skies of Philadelphia, had all the ingredients of a Brazilian grudge match—tight margins, physical duels, and a lingering air of unfinished business. It was a cagey, ill-tempered affair for much of the 90 minutes, with neither side able to assert definitive control. But as fatigue crept in and the match drifted into extra time, Paulinho seized the moment. Cutting in from the right, the 23-year-old left two defenders in his wake before rifling a low, clinical finish into the far corner beyond a diving John. It was a goal forged in determination and delivered with class, and it proved to be the difference in a contest where chances came at a premium. "We played an incredible game," said Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira. "In normal time and extra time, the team stayed united, even after going a man down. We suffered, yes—but we deserved this.
Bitter Rivals, Familiar Tension
Matches between these two clubs have grown increasingly dramatic in recent years. Palmeiras famously overturned a three-goal deficit to beat Botafogo 4-3 in the dying stages of the 2023 league campaign, a defeat that derailed the Rio side's title hopes. Botafogo responded by knocking Palmeiras out of the 2024 Copa Libertadores and entered this encounter unbeaten against their São Paulo rivals in their last five meetings.
But that streak ended Saturday night in Philadelphia.
Despite dominating possession, Palmeiras struggled to break through Botafogo's deep defensive lines. Teenage winger Estevão—soon headed to Chelsea in a reported €60 million deal—was the lone bright spark in a slow-burning first half. His pace and trickery down the left flank kept Botafogo guessing, but clear-cut opportunities were few and far between. A powerful drive from Richard Rios was the only real test for John before the break.
Botafogo, who stunned Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain just days ago, looked surprisingly flat. Their attacking quartet failed to replicate that magic, and Palmeiras keeper Weverton had a relatively quiet outing.
The best chance for Botafogo came after the hour mark when Artur cut inside and curled an effort toward the goal, but it lacked venom and direction.
Palmeiras were reduced to ten men late in the second half of extra time when captain Gustavo Gómez received a second yellow card for a tactical foul. However, Botafogo failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage, with their attempts at a late rally proving too little, too late.
Paulinho Seals-It, Chelsea-Bound Estevão Shines
The turning point came just moments after Estevão, whose performance had been the highlight of the evening, was withdrawn. His replacement, Paulinho, brought a different kind of energy and delivered the goal Palmeiras desperately needed. It was a reminder of the squad depth and resilience Abel Ferreira has cultivated at the club—a group that now finds itself just one win away from a potential semifinal showdown with either European giants Chelsea or Portuguese powerhouse Benfica. "We knew it would be a war," said Paulinho post-match. "But I told myself I'd be ready when my chance came. This is what we live for." With this victory, Palmeiras secured their first win over Botafogo in nearly two years, keeping their hopes alive for Club World Cup glory. As they await their quarter-final opponent, one thing is clear: Palmeiras, fueled by grit, youth, and now a moment of Paulinho brilliance, are not here just to compete—they're here to win.
