This Wednesday (December 11), Botafogo will begin its journey in the Intercontinental Cup, facing Pachuca at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar. This will be the Americas classic, which will determine who advances to the semifinals and has the chance to compete for the title. Botafogo has already made history in 2024, having won the titles of the Copa Brasília and the Copa Libertadores, and now seeks to continue its glorious path on the international stage.
However, despite high expectations, Botafogo needs to be cautious against Pachuca, a Mexican team that had a strong performance in the Concacaf Champions League (Concachampions). Before thinking about possible opponents — Al Ahly or Real Madrid — Botafogo must focus on overcoming the challenge posed by Pachuca. Below, we analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Mexican team to help Botafogo seize the opportunities.
✅ Strengths of Pachuca for Botafogo
Pachuca's playing style is centered on a fast and aggressive attack, with Guillermo Almada's team standing out offensively. In the last ten games, Pachuca has only failed to score in two matches — against Chivas and Juárez. The main offensive reference is veteran Salomón Rondón, who has not only been important for the Venezuelan national team but has also accumulated vast experience in European clubs. Rondón's size and physical strength make aerial play an essential tactic for Pachuca, which often seeks to exploit his ability to win duels in the air.
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Additionally, the young and dynamic full-backs Carlos Sánchez and Bryan González are key pieces for the attack, with great skill in advancing quickly and creating space for attacks. The ability of these players to make incursions down the flanks and cross with precision will be one of the points that Botafogo needs to contain. The Carioca team must maintain a solid defense to neutralize the advances from the wings.
❌ Weaknesses of Pachuca for Botafogo
Although Pachuca has a strong attack, its defensive deficiencies cannot be overlooked. The team has the lowest average age in Liga MX, at just 24 years, which may represent a lack of experience in decisive moments. Pachuca's defense has been vulnerable, especially due to the offensiveness of its full-backs, which leaves the defensive line exposed. The midfield, composed of players like Pedraza and Montiel, also has not given due attention to protecting the last line, allowing opponents to find spaces in the final third of the field.
When losing possession, Pachuca tends to exhibit defensive flaws, especially in fast-paced matches. Botafogo can exploit these weaknesses with quick counterattacks and by taking advantage of the spaces left in the defense. Especially against Pachuca's center-back duo, composed of Sergio Barreto and the experienced Gustavo Cabral, who is 39 years old, Botafogo can use the speed of its forwards, such as Luiz Henrique and Savarino, to create goal opportunities.
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How to Exploit Pachuca's Weaknesses Botafogo should take advantage of the gaps in Pachuca's defense, especially when the game is fast-paced. The team can use quick counterattacks and the technical skills of Idrissi and Alfonso González to explore the spaces between Pachuca's defensive lines. Once the Mexican defensive line becomes disorganized, Botafogo's offensive players will have the chance to break through the defense.
Although Pachuca has its strengths in attack, Botafogo is capable of using counterattacking tactics to disrupt the opponent's defense. Defensively, Botafogo should focus on blocking advances from the flanks and minimizing aerial support for Salomón Rondón. Additionally, controlling the midfield and dictating the pace of the game will be essential for victory.
This will be a crucial game for Botafogo in its quest for the 2024 Intercontinental Cup title. Whether in the attack-defense transition or taking advantage of Pachuca's defensive weaknesses, Botafogo has everything to come out victorious in the Americas classic. If they advance, the Carioca team will face Al Ahly or Real Madrid in an even tougher matchup. On December 11, Botafogo will have the opportunity to continue making history and shine for Brazilian football.
The match will take place at 2 PM (Brasília time) at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar.
Read more about the Intercontinental Cup at:
2024 Intercontinental Cup: Botafogo faces whom and complete calendar
See the complete calendar of the final stage of the 2024 Intercontinental Cup
Next Botafogo game: See the schedule for December, January, and February 2025
