Draw between Botafogo and Palmeiras helps Flamengo take the lead in the Brasileirão

Botafogo is one of Flamengo's three biggest rivals, but it made the Red and Black fans happy this Sunday (6). Glorioso's goalless draw with Palmeiras at Nilton Santos, in Rio de Janeiro, helped the Gávea team confirm their leadership of the Brazilian Championship at the end of this 26th round.

Earlier, Flamengo defeated Remo 1-0 at Mangueirão, in Belém, broadcast live on Rádio Nacional. The result took Rubro-Negro to 54 points, forcing Verdão to beat Alvinegro de General Severiano to avoid losing the first place it had occupied since the seventh round, in March. With the draw, Alviverde only reached 53 points.

In the middle of the table, Botafogo had 31 points, in 13th position. The team could be overtaken on Monday (7), if there is a winner in the clash between Vitória and Grêmio, who play at 8pm (Brasília time), at Barradão, in Salvador. The black and white team has not won in the Brasileirão since July 26th.

During the game, Glorioso fans protested against defender Alexander Barbosa and midfielder Marlon Freitas, both at Palmeiras. The latter, captain and fundamental name in the conquests of the Libertadores and Brasileirão in 2024, was the most booed, to the point of having his face removed from a banner with images of black and white idols.

Although Palmeiras had greater offensive volume, it was Botafogo who had the best chance in the first half. In the 27th minute, midfielder Danilo launched the counterattack from the left and sent midfielder Álvaro Montoro into action, who launched Lucas Villalba. The striker was alone in front of goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, but the shot went to the left.

Verdão, who encountered difficulties at the beginning of the game, loosened up during the initial stage and dominated the actions, especially in the final ten minutes. The great opportunity appeared at 40, with a shot from Maurício, in the area, after receiving it from fellow midfielder Felipe Anderson. The shot, low, was close to the left post.

Palmeiras returned for the second half betting on the aerial ball to try to break through Botafogo's marking. At 11 minutes, it almost worked. Full-back Joaquín Piquerez crossed from the left and Maurício, with a header, forced goalkeeper Gabriel Batista into a great save.

That, however, was Alviverde's best approach to this type of strategy. The São Paulo team was unable to press and, in stoppage time, they lost Barboza, who was sent off. In the end, the draw was not good for either team on the field, but it favored Flamengo, which took the lead in the championship.