Substitute Paulinho struck an extra-time winner to seal a hard-fought 1–0 victory for Palmeiras over fellow Brazilian side Botafogo on Saturday, sending the São Paulo giants into the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
In a tight, tactical battle at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Paulinho’s 100th-minute goal settled a contest largely defined by attrition and discipline. The winger entered the match midway through the second half, replacing teenage star Estevão Willian—a decision by coach Abel Ferreira that raised eyebrows at the time but ultimately proved decisive.
The breakthrough came when Colombian midfielder Richard Ríos released Paulinho down the right flank. Given time and space to cut inside, the 23-year-old coolly slotted a low shot into the far corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Palmeiras supporters, who made up the majority of the 33,657-strong crowd.
Despite going down to 10 men after captain Gustavo Gómez was sent off in the 116th minute for an off-the-ball tussle with Alexander Barboza, Palmeiras held on to claim the win.
Palmeiras, Copa Libertadores champions in 2020 and 2021, will remain in Philadelphia to face either Chelsea or Benfica in the quarter-finals next Friday.
Ferreira’s gamble pays off
The highly anticipated clash, a rematch between the top two sides from last year’s Brazilian league campaign, saw Palmeiras dominate most of the attacking play. Yet the spotlight was firmly on Estevão, the 18-year-old sensation set to join Chelsea after the tournament and widely considered Brazil’s next breakout star.
The youngster had a quiet first half but showed flashes of brilliance after the restart. He forced a fine save from Botafogo keeper John Victor and later had the ball in the net, only to be denied by an offside flag.
In a surprising move, Ferreira substituted both Estevão and striker Vitor Roque just after the hour mark, bringing on Paulinho and Luighi in search of a breakthrough. Though questioned in the moment, the change proved inspired.
Palmeiras dominate, Botafogo falter
Palmeiras continued to press for a winner, with Mauricio going close from a Joaquín Piquerez cross and Paulinho blazing over from a promising position late in normal time.
Extra time saw Palmeiras up the tempo. Ríos unleashed a powerful effort that was tipped behind before Paulinho’s cool finish broke the deadlock. Fittingly, the once-capped Brazil international—who featured for Atlético Mineiro in last year’s Libertadores final loss to Botafogo—was substituted shortly after scoring, his mission accomplished.
Botafogo, who entered the tournament as Copa Libertadores champions for the first time and stunned European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the group stage, struggled to create meaningful chances. Even with a man advantage late on, they failed to find an equaliser that would have forced penalties.
With Palmeiras advancing and confidence growing, they now turn their attention to a quarter-final clash with the winner of the Chelsea–Benfica showdown later on Saturday.
AFP
