Sabasports Match Preview
Club World Cup: Palmeiras vs Botafogo FR
Kickoff Time: 2025-06-29 00:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/SAM NAVARRO
Palmeiras won the 2021 Copa Libertadores, and in the group stage, they managed to draw with strong teams like FC Porto and Inter Miami CF. From a tactical perspective, Palmeiras plays a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing absolute control over the flanks. Their transition from defense to attack is extremely fast, and their forward players create threats through frequent off-the-ball movements and imaginative individual breakthroughs. Midfielders have dual responsibilities: both organizing play and providing defensive cover, creating a balanced dynamic between attack and defense. When in possession, the players are patient, moving the ball gradually and looking for space. Once they lose possession, they immediately press and establish a defensive barrier in the midfield and attack area, making it difficult for opponents to organize effective attacks. Looking at the group stage, 18-year-old talent Estevao, who has already been signed by Chelsea, stood out. He effectively tore apart opponents’ defenses with smooth passing and controlled the pace of the attack very well, with several shots that had great penetration. Under the guidance of head coach Abel Ferreira, Palmeiras executes a solid high-pressing strategy. Whether it’s the precise distribution by midfielders or the solid interception by the backline, everything runs like a well-oiled machine, showing a high level of team coordination.
Botafogo FR was the 2024 Copa Libertadores champion, and in the group stage, they famously defeated the newly crowned UEFA Champions League winner, Paris Saint-Germain. From a tactical perspective, Botafogo excels in counterattacks. For example, in the match against PSG, they used a 4-5-1 counterattacking formation. Center-back Jair Cunha directed the defense to hold the box tightly, while the two full-backs acted as “relay runners,” specifically targeting PSG’s wide attacking threats. Stats showed that PSG had 18 long balls in total, but only three were successful. Star player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was limited to under 40 touches — this is Botafogo’s unique “space-destroying” tactic. Even more impressive was their “pseudo-high press.” When PSG was playing in their own half, forward Igor Jesus would make a symbolic run forward, but the real threat came from the sudden double-team by the midfielders. Unfortunately, the team lost their key central midfielder Gregore, who received a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. According to statistics, Botafogo committed a total of 49 fouls in the group stage, with Gregore personally responsible for 16 of them, accounting for 32% of the total. In matches, Gregore always managed to disrupt the opponent’s rhythm with “clever” tactical fouls. Originally, Botafogo’s counterattacking style was perfectly suited to counter Palmeiras’ wide-based strategy. However, with Gregore suspended, the team lost its crucial defensive shield in the midfield, forcing coach Renato Paiva to change the formation. It should be noted that Paiva only became the head coach of Botafogo this February, and this is his fifth season as a first-team coach. His experience is still somewhat limited. In such a knockout match, his in-game decisions may carry risks.
Frequent venue changes are not good for team preparation, and if combined with time zone issues, some players might develop negative emotions. This match will take place in Philadelphia, USA. Botafogo’s final group stage game was in Los Angeles on the west coast of the United States, about 4,500 kilometers away from Philadelphia, with a 3-hour time difference. On the other hand, Palmeiras had two group stage games in New York, just 150 kilometers from Philadelphia, with no time zone issue. It’s clear that Palmeiras is more accustomed to the climate and environment in Philadelphia, while Botafogo has lost the advantage of home ground, weather, and morale. In this encounter, I believe Palmeiras will be able to win comfortably within 90 minutes.
Palmeiras’ Last 5 Games: DWDLW
25-06-24 Inter Miami CF 2-2 Palmeiras
25-06-20 Palmeiras 2-0 Al Ahly
25-06-16 Palmeiras 0-0 FC Porto
25-06-20 Cruzeiro 2-1 Palmeiras
25-05-29 Palmeiras 6-0 Sporting Cristal
Botafogo FR’s Last 5 Games: LWWWW
25-06-24 Atletico Madrid 1-0 Botafogo FR
25-06-20 Paris Saint-Germain 0-1 Botafogo FR
25-06-16 Botafogo FR 2-1 Seattle Sounders FC
25-06-05 Botafogo FR 3-2 Ceara
25-06-20 Santos FC 0-1 Botafogo FR
Head To Head Record:
25-03-31 Palmeiras 0-0 Botafogo FR
24-11-27 Palmeiras 1-3 Botafogo FR
24-08-22 Palmeiras 2-2 Botafogo FR
24-08-15 Botafogo FR 2-1 Palmeiras
24-07-18 Botafogo FR 1-0 Palmeiras
Prediction: Palmeiras to win