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Botafogo and Palmeiras Draw in Thrilling Round of 16 First Leg
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Botafogo and Palmeiras played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Estádio Nilton Santos in the first leg of their CONMEBOL Libertadores Round of 16 clash.
Botafogo started brightly and took the lead in the 22nd minute through Luiz Henrique, assisted by I. da Cruz. However, Palmeiras drew level in the 33rd minute through a goal from Mauricio, who was set up by Rony.
Botafogo regained the lead in the 39th minute with a goal from I. da Cruz, this time assisted by Marlon Freitas. Palmeiras, however, didn’t give up and managed to equalize again in the first half’s stoppage time.
The match remained evenly balanced in the second half, with both teams looking for the winning goal.
Botafogo had more possession (51%) and took more shots (9 shots, 3 on target), but Palmeiras were more clinical in front of goal.
The referee, Esteban Ostojich from Uruguay, showed a total of 6 yellow cards: three to Botafogo and three to Palmeiras.
This result leaves the tie wide open ahead of the second leg back in Brazil, where Palmeiras will have the advantage of playing at home.
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Substitutions palmeiras: at minute 46 Lazaro came in and Rony went out., at minute 57 Estevao came in and Mauricio went out., at minute 57 Felipe Anderson came in and Flaco Lopez went out., at minute 71 Fabinho came in and Raphael Veiga went out.
Substitutions botafogo: at minute 60 Tiquinho Soares came in and J. Savarino went out., at minute 71 Matheus Martins came in and T. Almada went out., at minute 71 Marcal came in and Cuiabano went out., at minute 78 Allan came in and Marlon Freitas went out., at minute 78 Tche Tche came in and Luiz Henrique went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Botafogo
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