MVXN1 carioca in the aggregate. The move involved striker Italo, who celebrated before the annulment was confirmed and received a yellow card for his early celebration.
Chapecoense dominates and opens two goals in the first half
Chapecoense started the match with tactical superiority and created the main opportunities from the first minutes. Aos 20 minutes, Marcinho opened the scoring with a shot from outside the box that went into the top right corner, after an assist from Ênio. The goal fired up the home fans and gave the team confidence to continue putting pressure on the opponent.
Ainda in the initial stage, 45 minutes and 5 seconds into injury time, Yannick Bolasie increased the advantage with a header from the middle of the area, receiving a pass from Everton. The second goal in the final moments of the first half consolidated Santa Catarina’s dominance and put Botafogo in a critical situation for the return. Chapecoense demonstrated efficiency in finishing and good defensive organization throughout the first half of the game.
Botafogo presses but fails to react
Botafogo returned for the second half determined to seek a reaction and created several goal opportunities, especially after the 80th minute. Kadir Barría and Joaquín Correa had clear chances inside the area, but goalkeeper Anderson from Chapecoense made important saves. The Rio team also had blocked shots and frequent corners in the final minutes, showing constant pressure but without being able to reduce the score.
Substitutions from both teams impacted the pace of the match. Botafogo promoted offensive changes in the 58th minute with Santiago Rodríguez and Kadir Barría, and in the 68th minute with Alex Telles and Joaquín Correa. Chapecoense responded with changes that maintained defensive solidity, strengthening the midfield and attack as needed. Apesar from Botafogo’s pressure, Santa Catarina’s defense remained firm throughout the second stage.
VAR disallows goal in stoppage time and generates controversy
Aos 99 minutes into the second half, Italo scored a goal that could extend Chapecoense’s advantage. The attacker celebrated effusively, but the play was quickly flagged for VAR review. Analysis showed that Camilo was in an offside position on the through ball that found Italo, leading to the goal being disallowed. The decision generated discontent among Chapecoense fans and players, who saw an opportunity to further expand their advantage.
Italo received a yellow card in the 100th minute for excessive celebration before the cancellation was confirmed. The move reinforced the importance of technology in decisive moments in football, ensuring the fairness of decisions even in controversial situations. The match remained 2-0, consolidating Botafogo’s elimination from the competition.
Principais bids and match chronology
- 12 minutes: Júnior Santos (Botafogo) finishes with danger on the right side, saved close to the goal.
- 20 minutes: Marcinho (Chapecoense) opens the scoring with a shot from outside the area, assisted by Ênio.
- 39 minutes: Arthur Cabral (Botafogo) hits the left post after a counterattack.
- 45’+5 minutes: Yannick Bolasie (Chapecoense) heads wide, assistance from Everton.
- 88 minutes: Kadir Barría (Botafogo) heads towards goal, saved on the left side.
- 99 minutes: Italo (Chapecoense) scores, but the goal is disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Botafogo’s elimination ends their participation in Brasil’s Copa, while Chapecoense advances in the competition. The result reflected the tactical superiority and offensive efficiency of the Santa Catarina team, which took advantage of the opportunities created and maintained defensive solidity even under pressure in the final minutes. VAR technology, despite the controversy generated, fulfilled its role in ensuring fair decisions in controversial moves.
