“Many people didn’t believe this would happen. It is happening,” remarked Fluminense manager Renato Gaúcho, reflecting on the remarkable performances of Brazilian teams at the Club World Cup. With Fluminense, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Flamengo all reaching the last 16, Renato emphasized that Brazilian football and its supporters should feel “very proud” of what their clubs have achieved on the international stage.
The group stage results were nothing short of impressive. Botafogo pulled off a stunning victory against European champions Paris Saint-Germain, while Flamengo triumphed over Chelsea. The only defeat came when Botafogo faced Atlético Madrid, a match in which they appeared to have one eye on the knockout stage. Overall, Brazilian clubs played 12 matches, lost just one, and conceded only nine goals, showcasing the strength of Brazilian football.
As the knockout stage kicks off this Saturday, all eyes will be on the match between Botafogo and Palmeiras in Philadelphia. This encounter revives a fierce rivalry that has characterized Brazilian football in recent years. Though not rooted in historic conflicts or geographical proximity, the two clubs have become adversaries, battling for dominance in the Brasileirão. It’s akin to a Brazilian version of the Manchester City vs. Liverpool rivalry, but with an added layer of intensity.
In the 2023 season, Botafogo established a commanding 15-point lead in the title race but saw it dwindle to just six points by the time they faced Palmeiras. In a thrilling match, Botafogo raced to a 3-0 lead, only for Palmeiras to stage a stunning comeback, winning 4-3 and ultimately claiming the title for themselves. The aftermath of this defeat saw John Textor, Botafogo’s majority owner, lash out with accusations of corruption against Palmeiras, which sparked a fiery exchange between him and Leila Pereira, the Palmeiras president. Pereira branded Textor as “irresponsible and criminal,” marking a sharp escalation in their ongoing feud.
Fast forward to today, the stakes are high. Botafogo managed to recover from their heartbreak in 2024 by becoming only the fourth team in history to achieve a league and Copa Libertadores double, eliminating Palmeiras in the last 16 in the process. However, struggling with league performance this season—having lost key players like Luiz Henrique and Thiago Almada, who is currently on loan to Textor’s other club, Lyon—Botafogo’s success at the Club World Cup is providing a much-needed boost.
We caught up with Botafogo defender Vitinho, who expressed confidence in his team. “We have a very strong team, we know our potential, and we never stopped believing,” he stated. “As long as we have a chance, we will fight to the fullest. We achieved our goal of qualifying from the group stage and know we face a tough opponent in the next round. Our duels with Palmeiras have been memorable, and this one will be equally significant.”
On the flip side, Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton noted that his team has been preparing rigorously for the Club World Cup. “It was a good start; we’re on the right track,” he mentioned. He acknowledged the quality of their opponents, asserting that “a Brazilian confrontation is always difficult.” Both teams, he remarked, have shown their caliber, and the encounter will be a significant moment for Brazilian football as one team will advance to the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Flamengo, currently leading in the Brazilian league, faces a daunting challenge against Bayern Munich. After winning their group, they had anticipated playing either Benfica or Boca Juniors but ended up in a tough draw against the German giants. The winner will advance to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Miami in the quarter-finals, and possibly Real Madrid in the semifinals.
Club legend Zico humorously reflected on the historical match against Bayern, recalling a previous victory. “We have an advantage because we’ve only ever played one game against Bayern, and it was 3-1 to Flamengo,” he remarked. Yet, he recognizes that the stakes are much higher this time around. Flamengo manager Filipe Luís holds great respect for Bayern, calling them a “colossus” and noting their superiority in European football. “They’re a club that inspires us,” he said while emphasizing his desire for Flamengo to maintain their identity throughout this challenging matchup.
Filipe Luís clearly understands the uphill battle ahead but wishes to stick to Flamengo’s style of play. “Flamengo’s DNA requires you to try to take the ball away from the opponent, control the game, and be as vertical as possible,” he concluded. He articulated a hope that in the end, may the best team win.
Despite the competitive nature of the matches, some Flamengo fans have expressed unease about Bayern’s perceived ease during the group stage, hinting that they intentionally lowered their guard against Benfica. Fluminense seemingly employed a similar strategy, resting players and drawing with Mamelodi Sundowns, a tactic that ultimately backfired when they faced Inter. As teams head into the knockout phase, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and every match will be a test of strategy, resilience, and skill in the ever-intense world of international club football.
This is an article by Tom Sanderson and Josué Seixas
