In a closely contested match, Botafogo and Grêmio ended in a 0-0 draw this Saturday (September 28) at Mané Garrincha in Brasília. This match was valid for the 28th round of the Brasileirão.
However, despite both teams' attempts, the game ended without goals.
The Alvinegro remains at the top of the table with 57 points, but their lead over second-place Palmeiras, who defeated Atlético-MG, has shrunk from three to just one point. The Grêmio is in 11th place with 32 points. Additionally, Monsalve was sent off in the closing stages of the match.
The Game
The first half was marked by unsatisfactory performances from both teams, but Grêmio stood out for getting closer to scoring. Edenilson created valuable opportunities with long-range shots, forcing John to work hard to keep the score at zero. On the other hand, defender Vitinho had the clearest chance, heading accurately.
Despite this, both teams displayed a more congested game in the first 45 minutes, showing little creativity and generating few scares for the opposing defenses. It is important to highlight that Botafogo started with a mixed team due to the intense marathon of matches in recent weeks, having advanced to the quarter-finals of the Libertadores midweek.
The second half brought more excitement to the match, with both teams loosening up and making the goalkeepers work, especially Marchesín. Early on, Vitinho made a cross from the right, Tiquinho redirected it backward, and found Luiz Henrique, who cut inside but finished dangerously off target.
Next, Villasanti responded by capitalizing on a low cross from Reinaldo, although his shot also went off target. In search of a more effective attack in the final stages, Botafogo dominated possession, especially after the entry of their key players. The team nearly found the net in the closing moments when Bastos shot after a cross from Júnior Santos but was caught offside.
Brasileirão Standings:
Botafogo: leader with 57 points
Grêmio: 11th place with 32 points.
Upcoming Botafogo Matches:
- Athletico-PR (A) - 10/05, 16:30 (Brasília time) - Brasileirão
- Criciúma (H) - 10/20, to be confirmed - Brasileirão
- Peñarol (H) - 10/23, 21:30 - CONMEBOL Libertadores
Upcoming Grêmio Matches:
- Fortaleza (H) - 10/04, 21:30 (Brasília time) - Brasileirão
- Internacional (A) - to be confirmed - Brasileirão
- Atlético-GO (H) - to be confirmed - Brasileirão
