Estudiantes de La Plata secured a vital 1-0 victory over Botafogo on April 23, 2025, in a tense match at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, marking the third round of Group A in the Copa Libertadores 2025. The win was crucial for Estudiantes as they sought to bounce back from a previous defeat against Universidad de Chile.
Guido Carrillo emerged as the hero for Estudiantes, scoring the only goal of the match in the 38th minute. The goal came about due to a significant error by Botafogo's goalkeeper, John. Carrillo took a shot from outside the penalty area that appeared to be a routine save for John. However, he misjudged the trajectory of the ball, allowing it to slip past him and into the net, igniting celebrations among the home fans.
The match had a lively start, with Botafogo looking to assert their dominance early on. Just seconds into the game, Venezuelan winger Jefferson Savarino sent a precise cross to Artur, who managed to get a header off, but it sailed over the crossbar. Despite the early scare, Estudiantes quickly settled into their rhythm, controlling possession and creating several opportunities.
Throughout the first half, Estudiantes showcased their attacking prowess, earning six corner kicks but failing to convert any into goals. The breakthrough finally came when Carrillo's shot deflected off a defender, deceiving John and finding the back of the net. This goal not only gave Estudiantes the lead but also shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
As the second half commenced, Estudiantes maintained their grip on the game, dominating possession with 53% overall control. They continued to pressure Botafogo, looking to extend their lead. Gabriel Neves came close to doubling the advantage with a shot that narrowly missed the target.
Botafogo, however, was not without its chances. In a moment that had the away fans on their feet, Savarino unleashed a powerful strike that struck the crossbar in the 67th minute, sending a wave of relief through the Estudiantes defense. This near-miss highlighted the Brazilian side's potential to equalize and kept the tension alive in the closing stages of the match.
As the match approached its conclusion, Estudiantes continued to push for a second goal, with Luciano Giménez having a shot blocked by John in the 89th minute. The home side's persistence was evident as they sought to secure a more comfortable lead.
In the dying moments of the match, Estudiantes' Giménez again threatened the Botafogo goal, but his shot was blocked by Alexander Barboza, ensuring that the score remained 1-0. The referee, Gustavo Tejera, signaled the end of the match after four additional minutes, confirming Estudiantes' hard-fought victory.
This win places Estudiantes second in Group A with six points, just one behind leaders Universidad de Chile. They will face Universidad de Chile in their next match on May 7, 2025, at 21:00, which promises to be a crucial encounter in their quest for advancement in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Botafogo finds themselves in third place with three points, aiming to bounce back in their upcoming fixture against Carabobo on May 6, 2025. The Brazilian side will need to regroup quickly to stay competitive in the group.
Overall, the match showcased Estudiantes' resilience and ability to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes, while Botafogo will reflect on missed opportunities that could have altered the outcome. With the Copa Libertadores group stage heating up, both teams will be eager to improve their standings in the coming weeks.
