Corinthians and Botafogo Clash Ends in Dramatic 2-2 Draw at Neo Química Arena

In a thrilling match during the 36th round of the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro, Corinthians and Botafogo played out a tense 2-2 draw at the Neo Química Arena. Corinthians started the game strongly, controlling possession and taking an early lead in the 6th minute when Raniele took advantage of a goalkeeper error by Botafogo's Léo Linck to score. However, despite dominating the first half, they failed to increase the lead.

Botafogo, coached by Davide Ancelotti, responded in the second half with tactical substitutions that sparked their comeback. Cuiabano equalized at the 14th minute with a swift counter-attack, and Jordan Barrera followed with a spectacular bicycle kick goal seven minutes later, putting Botafogo ahead 2-1. Corinthians fought back, and Gustavo Henrique scored a late equalizer after a VAR review confirmed that the ball had not gone out of play.

The match concluded with further tension as Botafogo’s Jeffinho was sent off for violent conduct against Corinthians’ Maycon. With the draw, Botafogo remain comfortably in fifth place with 59 points and an ongoing eight-match unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, Corinthians remain ninth, with 46 points, narrowly trailing the eighth-placed team in the league and focusing on their Copa do Brasil semifinal against Cruzeiro for hopes of Libertadores qualification.

Despite Corinthians' dominant possession—registering 60% ball control and 8 shots compared to Botafogo's 1—they missed opportunities to secure a win. Meanwhile, Fortaleza's 1-0 victory against Atlético-MG brought them closer to escaping the relegation zone, highlighting the competitive nature of the league's final rounds.

This match underscored both teams' resilience, with Botafogo showcasing their tactical adaptability and Corinthians demonstrating fighting spirit to rescue a point in a high-stakes clash.