The Botafogo and Grêmio were unable to surpass each other and ended in a goalless draw this Saturday at the Mané Garrincha Stadium in Brasília, during the Brasileirão. Despite changes in the lineups, the players kept the game lively, creating good opportunities for both sides. In the second half, the Alvinegro managed to score with Bastos, but the VAR disallowed the goal for an offside by the defender. The match had a tense atmosphere, culminating in the expulsion of Monsalve and heated discussions among the players, while the officiating generated controversy.
With this draw, Botafogo maintains the lead in the championship, now with 57 points, one more than the Palmeiras, who defeated Atlético-MG. The Grêmio, in turn, reached 32 points, staying out of the relegation zone, four points ahead of Vitória.
First Half
The Grêmio exploited the left side of the Alvinegra defense, making the first half balanced. Edenílson was one of the highlights, creating good opportunities that required saves from goalkeeper John. The Botafogo tried to respond with a header from Vitinho, but was unable to impose the same intensity as shown in previous matches.
Second Half
Upon returning from the break, both teams showed a desire to score. Luiz Henrique nearly opened the scoring with an individual play but shot wide. The Grêmio also had its chances, but the match lost rhythm until Artur Jorge made substitutions that revitalized the team. At the 40-minute mark, Bastos received a pass from Junior Santos and scored, but the VAR intervened again, disallowing the goal for offside. The discussions among the players intensified, resulting in yellow cards for Marchesín and Luiz Henrique. The referee, already under pressure, ended up expelling Monsalve for a foul deemed intentional on Vitinho's face.
Next Challenges
The Grêmio will face Fortaleza next Friday, playing at home, while Botafogo will have a tough match against Athletico-PR at the Ligga Arena on Saturday.
In this game, the standings of Botafogo and Grêmio were maintained, but the tension and controversy left a bitter taste for both sides.
