Botafogo Faces Relegated Sport in Crucial Match

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Botafogo hosts Sport on Tuesday, November 18, at 8:30 p.m. local time at the Nilton Santos Stadium. This match is part of the 34th round of the Serie A of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Botafogo, currently in sixth place with 52 points, aims to secure a direct spot in next year’s Copa Libertadores. A victory would bring them closer to surpassing Bahia, who is in fifth place with 53 points. The team is on a five-game unbeaten streak, including a recent goalless draw against Vitória.

In contrast, Sport’s situation is dire as they have already been relegated. They currently sit at the bottom of the standings with only 17 points from 33 matches. The team suffered their sixth consecutive defeat in their last match, losing 5-1 to Flamengo.

Botafogo’s coach, Davide Ancelotti, is dealing with several injuries. Players Neto, Matheus Martins, Kaio Pantaleão, Nathan Fernandes, and Bastos are unavailable. However, he welcomes the return of Álvaro Montoro and Jordan Barrera, who may see action off the bench. Artur is also back after a suspension.

The likely lineup for Botafogo includes: Léo Linck; Vitinho, Alexander Barboza, David Ricardo, and Alex Telles; Danilo, Marlon Freitas, Santiago Rodríguez, and Savarino; Arthur Cabral and Joaquín Correa.

Sport, managed by César Lucena, will be missing two key players due to suspensions. Defender Ramon and right-back Matheus Alexandre were sent off in their last game. Substitutes Riquelme and João Silva are expected to step in for their positions.

The projected starting lineup for Sport features: Gabriel; Aderlan, Rafael Thyere, Lucas Kal, and Luan Cândido; Rivera, Sérgio Oliveira, and Lucas Lima; Léo Pereira, Matheusinho, and Pablo.

The match will be broadcast exclusively on Prime Video.