With heart and determination, Botafogo managed a gritty 1-0 victory over Universidad de Chile, securing their spot in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores as the second-place team in Group D, behind Estudiantes de La Plata, who topped the group on superior goal difference.

The night at the Nilton Santos stadium was full of tension and excitement for the Cariocas, who played more than an hour with ten men after Jair was sent off in the 27th minute. Despite the disadvantage, they held firm and struck at the right moment thanks to Igor Jesus, who scored the lone goal of the match in the first half.

Botafogo Resists and Advances Despite Adversity

Coached by Portuguese Renato Paiva, the team faced immense pressure as their qualification hung by a thread. However, the players responded from the start with intensity and commitment. Backed by their fans, they began creating chances through Cuiabano and Igor Jesus, who stood out from the outset.

The situation worsened when Jair was shown a red card following a VAR review for a strong foul on Charles Aránguiz. Even with one less player, Botafogo did not back down. At the 38th minute, after a precise cross from Savarino, Igor Jesus rose in the box and headed in the goal that sparked wild celebrations.

Universidad de Chile, who entered the match as group leaders and only needed a draw, pushed hard in the second half. Coach Gustavo Álvarez brought in Javier Altamirano to strengthen the midfield, and the visitors nearly equalized when Aránguiz’s shot hit the crossbar.

VAR intervened again to disallow a goal by Artur due to a handball in the buildup. As the Chileans pressed forward, Paiva fortified his midfield with the substitutions of Allan and Danilo Barbosa to defend their lead.

In the final minutes, Nicolás Guerra had a clear header chance, but his shot went just wide. The Chilean pressure was intense but fruitless, and Botafogo, relying more on grit than finesse, defended their advantage until the final whistle.

With this result, the Brazilians advance to the last 16 of the continental tournament, while Universidad de Chile, finishing third in the group, will have to settle for a chance in the Copa Sudamericana.