On Saturday night in Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, Palmeiras emerged victorious with a narrow 1–0 win after extra time. The match was tightly contested and largely defensive from both sides, with the decisive moment arriving in the 100th minute.
Four Brazilian clubs featured in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup, and all advanced to the knockout stage. However, due to the draw, not all could progress further. Palmeiras and Botafogo, fierce domestic rivals, faced off in the tournament’s first knockout match meaning one had to go.
Substitute Paulinho proved to be the hero. Cutting in from the right, he beat two defenders and fired a low, angled shot past Botafogo goalkeeper John into the far corner. Botafogo attempted to fight back, especially after Palmeiras were reduced to 10 men in the 116th minute when Gustavo Gómez received a second yellow card. However, Palmeiras held firm and secured their first win over Botafogo in nearly two years.
Coach Abel Ferreira praised his team’s effort, saying, “Even with 10 men, we stuck together and deserved the win.”
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FAQ
1. Who scored the winning goal in the match?
Palmeiras substitute Paulinho scored the only goal of the match in the 100th minute of extra time, securing a 1-0 victory over Botafogo and sending to the quarter-finals.
2. Why was the match significant for Brazilian clubs?
This was the first all-Brazilian clash in the Club World Cup knockout stage. With four Brazilian teams in the tournament, this match guaranteed that at least one would be eliminated early. Palmeiras ended Botafogo’s unbeaten run in head-to-head encounters.
3. What’s next for Palmeiras?
We will face either Benfica or Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup. The match is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia on the following Friday.