Match Centre

Internacional fully deserved their 3-0 victory, outperforming Botafogo on expected goals (2.81 vs 0.62) despite having less possession (44%). The hosts were ruthlessly efficient, converting three of their 17 shots, including two inside the first 42 minutes from Matheus Bahia (32') and José Carlos Ferreira Júnior (42'). Botafogo's 56% possession yielded just 0.62 xG, with only 4 of their 11 shots testing the keeper.

Botafogo's defensive frailties were exposed as Internacional generated higher-quality chances (12 shots inside the box vs Botafogo's 8) and more corners (9 vs 7). The decisive moment came in the 66th minute when Alexandro Bernabéi's goal, assisted by Alerrandro, killed the game at 3-0. Internacional's midfield trio of Ronaldo, Thiago Maia, and Alan Patrick controlled the tempo, limiting Botafogo to just 3 shots outside the box. The key stat: Internacional's 2.81 xG dwarfed Botafogo's 0.62, underscoring their superior chance creation.