Inter Run Riot in 3-0 Rout of Botafogo

Internacional crushed Botafogo 3-0 in a blistering Serie A Round 32 performance that left the visitors’ title hopes in tatters and the Beira-Rio bouncing.

First Half Flurry Puts Internacional in Control

The game cracked open after 32 minutes when right-back Matheus Bahia ghosted into the box, latching onto a loose ball to rifle Inter ahead. The roar from the stands hadn’t died down when José Carlos Ferreira Júnior doubled the lead before halftime, punishing sloppy defending with a ruthless first-time finish.

Botafogo’s 56% possession meant nothing – Inter’s 12 first-half shots inside the box to Botafogo’s 3 told the real story. Tite’s substitutions at half-time reeked of desperation, hauling off Júnior Santos and Domingos Andrade for Cristian Medina and Allan.

Inter’s Surgical Precision Seals the Points

Any hope of a comeback evaporated in the 66th minute. Alexandro Bernabéi – fed by Alerrandro’s clever pass – smashed home Inter’s third, triggering an exodus of away fans. Botafogo’s frustration boiled over with yellow cards for Álvaro Montoro (62′) and Nahuel Ferraresi (85′), while Bernabéi’s late booking (90′) was the only blot on Inter’s copybook.

The stats laid bare the gulf: Inter racked up 2.81 xG to Botafogo’s pitiful 0.62. Goalkeeper Kauan’s 4 saves were insurance; Batista’s 3 at the other end barely delayed the inevitable.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Internacional, this statement win propels them into the continental qualification conversation. Eduardo Baptista’s men were relentless, converting 3 of their 7 shots on target while stifling Botafogo’s 11 attempts.

Botafogo’s title challenge now looks terminal. Tite’s side, for all their possession, created just 4 shots on target. With 9 Serie A games left, they must regroup fast before the season slips away entirely.