Tiquinho Soares Strikes as Botafogo Edge Chapecoense 1-0

Botafogo squeezed past Chapecoense 1-0 in a tense Serie A battle that saw Tiquinho Soares’ seventh-minute strike separate the sides at the Estádio Nilton Santos.

Botafogo’s blistering start

The home side exploded out the traps, Matheus Martins dancing down the left before slipping in Tiquinho Soares, whose first-time finish sparked pandemonium in Rio. The striker’s seventh goal of the campaign came from one of Botafogo’s 12 first-half shots as they dominated with 51% possession and 2.41 xG.

Chapecoense’s resistance falters

Chapecoense’s discipline cracked when Kauan Faria saw yellow on 14 minutes, their only shot on target coming in the 35th minute. Manager Rafael Lacerda’s triple substitution on 62 minutes failed to spark life into an attack that registered 0 shots on target all night.

Botafogo’s game management

With Tite barking orders, Botafogo’s back four of Vitinho, Ferraresi, Marçal and Alex Telles stood firm against Chapecoense’s late push. Goalkeeper Gabriel Batista wasn’t forced into a single save as the visitors mustered just 0.24 xG.

Botafogo held on through five nervy minutes of stoppage time to climb to fifth, while Chapecoense remain rooted in the relegation zone after failing to score for the fourth straight game.

Key Moments

7′ ⚽ Botafogo — Tiquinho Soares (assist: Matheus Martins)