Em Seattle, no Lumen Field, o Botafogo enfrenta o Seattle Sounders pela fase de grupos da Copa do At Lumen Field in Seattle, Botafogo faces Seattle Sounders in the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, with the match still underway at 32 minutes into the second half. The Alvinegro took a 2-0 lead in the first half with goals from Jair and Igor Jesus, but Seattle fought back with a header from Cristian Roldán, capitalizing on a deflection by the Carioca defense. The game, which kicked off at 11:00 PM (Brasília time), marks Botafogo’s debut in the U.S.-hosted tournament. The match remains open, with the Americans pressing for more chances while Botafogo aims to maintain their advantage. The Alvinegro fans make noise, even in hostile territory, as the game grows more exciting with each play.
Botafogo started with possession but faced an aggressive Seattle in the opening minutes. The Carioca side found their rhythm and opened the scoring with Jair, marking his first professional goal. Igor Jesus extended the lead, solidifying the advantage before halftime. In the second half, substitutions and American pressure shifted the dynamics, culminating in Roldán’s goal.
- Key moments so far:
- Jair’s first career goal at 27 minutes in the first half.
- Igor Jesus’ header at 43 minutes, assisted by Vitinho.
- Seattle’s response with Roldán at 29 minutes in the second half.
The match continues with intense plays, and Botafogo must regroup to hold their lead.
Early pressure at Lumen Field
The game began with Seattle Sounders taking the initiative, exchanging passes in the attacking zone and exploiting the speed of players like Kent and Jesús Ferreira. At 6 minutes, Álex Roldán fired a dangerous shot but missed the target. The home crowd, known for their vibrant support, urged the American side forward. Botafogo, meanwhile, relied on quick transitions, with Igor Jesus involved early, though the move was intercepted by goalkeeper Frei.
At 9 minutes, Savarino found Igor Jesus in the box, but defender Kim Kee-Hee made a crucial block. Seattle’s defense stayed alert, but Botafogo began gaining confidence. Marlon Freitas, with a precise pass at 13 minutes, set up Alex Telles, whose shot was saved by Frei. These early chances showed Botafogo’s resilience playing away.
Jair’s historic first goal
At 27 minutes in the first half, Botafogo took the lead in a moment that defined Jair’s career. After a foul by Nouhou on Artur, Alex Telles delivered a perfect free-kick, and the Alvinegro defender headed it home, leaving the goalkeeper no chance. The goal, Jair’s first as a professional, was celebrated with passion as he kissed the club’s badge.
Seattle tried to respond immediately, with Rusnák and Roldán creating dangerous moves. At 42 minutes, Rusnák fired a first-time shot after a Barboza error, but it narrowly missed. The American pressure, however, couldn’t prevent Botafogo’s second goal before the break.
Igor Jesus extends the lead
Late in the first half, at 43 minutes, Vitinho and Artur combined on the right, and the full-back delivered a pinpoint cross for Igor Jesus. The striker rose above the defense to head in Botafogo’s second goal. The play rewarded Botafogo’s efficiency, capitalizing on their created chances.
- First-half stats:
- Shots: Botafogo 6, Seattle 4.
- Possession: Botafogo 45%, Seattle 55%.
- Fouls committed: Botafogo 7, Seattle 5.
- Yellow cards: Botafogo 0, Seattle 1.
Halftime arrived with Botafogo in control, but Seattle showed they wouldn’t give up easily, especially with the crowd pushing them.
Second half heats up
The second half saw changes on both sides. Botafogo brought on Joaquín Correa for Mastriani, while Seattle swapped Nouhou for Baker-Whiting and Kim Kee-Hee for Bell. American pressure was evident early, forcing errors in Botafogo’s build-up. At 3 minutes, Artur nearly scored a third, but Frei made a great save.
Seattle created chances of their own. At 12 minutes, Kent fired after a pass from Jesús Ferreira, but John saved. The Alvinegro goalkeeper remained solid, though the defense struggled with the Americans’ intensity. Yellow cards for Barboza and Joaquín Correa, at 15 and 18 minutes, highlighted the growing tension.
Roldán reignites Seattle’s hopes
At 29 minutes in the second half, Seattle pulled one back. After a free-kick into the box, the ball was recycled, and a cross found Cristian Roldán. His header deflected off Igor Jesus, wrong-footing goalkeeper John. The goal reenergized the Lumen Field crowd and put pressure on Botafogo, as the game became more balanced.
Roldán, a standout for Seattle, had been active throughout. His presence in the box proved decisive in exploiting the Alvinegro defense’s lapse. The moment underscored the home side’s resilience, refusing to back down despite trailing.
Key moments timeline
- 9’ 1H: Savarino sets up Igor Jesus, but Kim Kee-Hee blocks the shot in the box.
- 27’ 1H: Jair heads in from Alex Telles’ free-kick to open the scoring.
- 43’ 1H: Igor Jesus heads in Vitinho’s cross to extend Botafogo’s lead.
- 12’ 2H: Kent shoots after Jesús Ferreira’s pass, but John makes a big save.
- 29’ 2H: Roldán’s header, deflected by Igor Jesus, cuts Botafogo’s lead.
Substitutions shift momentum
Second-half substitutions altered the game’s flow. Botafogo introduced Cuiabano and Arthur Cabral, while Seattle brought on De la Vega and Rothrock. These changes gave Seattle more speed on the flanks, exploiting the wings. Cuiabano, shortly after entering, stole the ball in the box but lost possession after a skillful move.
Botafogo tried to control possession to slow the game. Gregore and Marlon Freitas were key in midfield, but Seattle’s pressure disrupted their build-up. Correa’s introduction added dynamism to Botafogo’s attack, though he earned a yellow for a foul on Roldán.
Botafogo fans make their mark
Despite being outnumbered, Botafogo’s supporters made their presence felt at Lumen Field. Chants like “No one silences our love” echoed, especially after Jair and Igor Jesus’ goals. The Alvinegro fans’ energy, in a stadium dominated by Seattle’s crowd, highlighted the significance of the Club World Cup debut.
Seattle, backed by their passionate fans, kept pushing. The atmosphere remained electric, with the home crowd believing in a comeback after Roldán’s goal.
Match remains open
At 32 minutes in the second half, the clash stays intense. Seattle keeps pressing, while Botafogo looks to regain midfield control. The Alvinegro defense, led by Barboza and Jair, struggles to contain Kent and Rusnák’s runs. John, in goal, continues to be tested but responds well.
The match, part of Group B’s group stage, is pivotal for both teams’ ambitions in the tournament. Botafogo, with the lead, must stay focused to avoid further surprises. Seattle, fueled by their fans and players like Roldán, pushes for an equalizer.
