Decoding Botafogo

Botafogo shocked by defeating PSG.

But there is one truth that needs to be put right. Botafogo are not a perfect team. And a win over the European champions does not mean they are an impregnable fortress.

One win does not reflect the whole picture

Luis Enrique, after PSG’s defeat, praised Botafogo’s defence. On the surface, that praise might be discouraging for the next opponents – especially Atletico Madrid. However, all the numbers show that the victory is only part of the bigger picture, not the true portrait of an invulnerable team.

The match against PSG saw a well-organized Botafogo side, proactively defending and limiting dangerous shots. But that was the complete opposite of their opening match against Seattle Sounders - where the Brazilians allowed their opponents to take 23 shots, 5 on target, and an xG of 2.20 expected goals. Against PSG? Just 16 shots, 2 on target and an xG of just 0.54.

In other words, if you only look at the win against PSG to judge Botafogo, you will be fooled.

People hailed 2024 as the greatest season in Botafogo’s history: winning both the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores. But that halo was short-lived. After the miracle, they immediately faced a fierce “brain drain”. Coach Artur Jorge - the main architect of the double - left; Thiago Almada, Luiz Henrique and top scorer Junior Santos left the team one after another.

The result was a crisis. They were humiliated by Racing Club at the Recopa Sudamericana with an aggregate score of 0-4 - a number that seemed even mild considering the consecutive saves from goalkeeper John.

Coach Renato Paiva brings positive signals to Botafogo.

It was in this context that coach Renato Paiva was brought in with the task of not only rebuilding the team, but also restoring its identity. He came from the youth training environment of Benfica - where tactical discipline and player development were always top priorities. And the result? Botafogo more or less found stability: finishing 8th in the Brazilian National Championship, qualifying for the 1/8 round of the Libertadores and having a positive start at the Club World Cup.

Paiva's style of play - the two-sided wall and pragmatism

Botafogo did not control the game by overwhelming their opponents. They actively retreated deep, waiting for counter-attack opportunities and fully exploited the strengths on the wings - where Alex Telles and Vitinho often moved up to create breakthroughs. At the heart of the defense was Marlon Freitas - an experienced captain, playing the role of "pivot" in all transition situations.

Up front, Igor Jesus is the main striker, possessing excellent aerial ability. The satellites around him - such as Savarino or Artur - are all mobile players, tending to finish early and powerfully. Artur is especially dangerous when cutting inside to play on his left foot - the type of player who can make a difference with unexpected long-range shots.

Botafogo are not a team to be beaten. But that doesn’t mean they are invincible. Their first two games of the tournament have shown them to be a two-faced team: tight against PSG, but vulnerable against the Seattle Sounders. That leaves Atletico, their final group-stage opponent, with a chance if they are patient and know how to exploit the gaps in Brazil’s defence.

Botafogo are a dangerous team - but not invincible.

Paiva's pragmatic tactics have paid off in individual games, but they also put the team's fate on the line - one early goal could see the whole system collapse. And for a team rebuilding after a wave of departures, anything is possible.

In short, Botafogo are a dangerous team - but not an untouchable one. They have a structure, a philosophy, and individuals who know how to hurt opponents. But they also have the streak of a team still finding themselves. And as such, nothing is impossible - including beating them.

Source: https://znews.vn/giai-ma-botafogo-post1563013.html