Palmeiras is set to face Botafogo-SP this evening at the Allianz Parque, marking a pivotal match for the Verde, who find themselves needing a victory to advance to the quarterfinals of the Campeonato Paulista. Scheduled for February 20, 2025, at 19:30 BRT, the stakes couldn't be higher for the defending champions.
With only 17 points, Palmeiras sits third place in Group D and is at risk of early elimination from the tournament, depending on the results of other matches. Since they last faced Botafogo-SP, the Alviverde team has not lost for ten consecutive encounters against their opponents, boasting 59 wins over the course of 96 matches played between the two clubs. This historical dominance at home creates additional pressure; the team must perform, especially as they prepare for potential bruising public scrutiny should they falter.
Recent form shows Palmeiras struggling with six games unbeaten but with many frustrating draws. The fans expressed their discontent after the team's last game against arch-rivals São Paulo, which ended goalless. "A equipe do Palmeiras não depende apenas de si mesma para conseguir uma vaga nas quartas de final do Paulistão e pode ser eliminada precocemente do torneio," said insiders, emphasizing the precarious position the team is currently facing. The current situation calls for wins, not just for advancement but for the morale of both players and fans.
On the other hand, Botafogo-SP approaches this match with less to lose but still clinging to the dream of qualification. Currently placed third in Group A with just 11 points—five points behind second-placed Mirassol—the Pantera de Mogiama is desperate to secure points. Botafogo-SP has not lost any of its previous four matches. Therefore, claiming victory against Palmeiras tonight would be ideal for consolidatory purposes.
Palmeiras’ head coach, Abel Ferreira, will be missing several key players. Gustavo Gómez, Maurício, Felipe Anderson, Bruno Rodrigues, and Paulinho are all sidelined due to injury. This will likely lead to the following starting lineup: Weverton; Mayke, Murilo, Naves (Benedetti or Martínez), Piquerez; Aníbal Moreno (Martínez), Richard Rios, Raphael Veiga; Facundo Torres, Flaco López, Estêvão. Meanwhile, Botafogo-SP will also battle absences, with Jeferson and Gustavo Bochecha out injured and Leandro Maciel serving suspension. Their expected formation is João Carlos; Wallison, Alisson Cassiano, Ericson, Gabriel Risso; Edson, Sabit Abdulai, Alejo Dramisino; Silvinho, Alexandre Jesus, Douglas Baggio.
This tense matchup creates several interesting betting angles. With Palmeiras hugely reliant on this victory, betting platforms forecast them to win. "Necessitando desesperadamente da vitória para sobreviver no Paulistão, jogando em casa e com retrospecto a favor, o Palmeiras é nossa indicação de aposta para vencer o jogo com o Botafogo-SP hoje," reported the Jogo Aberto team. Palmeiras is favored to win the match with odds of 1.20 on Superbet and is also expected to score during both halves—this is reflected with odds at 1.93 on Novibet.
The excitement and tension of the match will be covered on TNT and MAX, ensuring fans can follow how this do-or-die situation will play out. This notable encounter will not only determine advancements within the Paulistão but will also serve as judgment day for the ambitions of both teams as the tournament heads toward its climax.
Who will come out victorious as they clash for survival? Many fans are hoping for fireworks from the Verdão who have so much more to play for on this fateful evening.