Palmeiras and Botafogo set to rekindle heated rivalry on global stage
PHILADELPHIA: In a nation where bitter football feuds typically simmer across generations, Botafogo and Palmeiras are poised to add another chapter to Brazil's explosive new rivalry when they meet in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Saturday.
The feud, which erupted in 2023, has seen dramatic twists both on and off the pitch.
Palmeiras, spearheaded by teenage sensation Endrick, overturned a three-goal deficit to defeat Botafogo 4-3, a result that triggered the Rio club's collapse in the Brazilian championship race.
Palmeiras subsequently clinched the league title, sparking tensions that spilled into public exchanges between club officials.
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira called Botafogo's owner John Textor "an idiot" and suggested he should be "banned from Brazilian football" after the American alleged referee bias in favor of Palmeiras.
The rivalry defies Brazil's traditional city-based football feuds, with Palmeiras hailing from Sao Paulo and Botafogo from Rio de Janeiro.
Unlike the century-old feuds of Flamengo-Fluminense or Atletico-Cruzeiro, this cross-country animosity has evolved into a pressure-cooker dynamic, with each encounter carrying heightened stakes.
Botafogo exacted revenge in the 2024 Copa Libertadores, eliminating Palmeiras in the round of 16 en route to claiming the continental title.
When the two met again in the Brazilian league at Palmeiras' home ground, Botafogo won again and eventually secured a domestic and international double.
Since that 2023 defeat, Botafogo have gone unbeaten against Palmeiras in five consecutive matches.
Saturday's encounter at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field will test the limits of a rivalry that has transcended mere competition, with local commentators describing it as "collective catharsis" for fans and players alike.
"It means a lot. The last few games between Botafogo and Palmeiras have been high-level and intense," defender Alex Telles told reporters on Friday.
"It's a healthy rivalry for Brazilian football. It's great to see two Brazilian teams facing each other in the Club World Cup and also to have all four teams advancing (to the last 16)."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
44 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Maresca praises Fernandez's ‘fantastic' form ahead of Chelsea's Club World Cup clash with old team Benfica
CHARLOTTE (North Carolina), June 28 — Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca yesterday hailed the contribution of playmaker Enzo Fernandez as the Argentinian prepares to come up against his old team Benfica at the Club World Cup. 'I am very pleased with Enzo especially because first of all he is a nice and polite boy, and then with us since we started he has been working very well in every aspect on and off the pitch,' Maresca told reporters in Charlotte. That is where the sides will face off on Saturday in the last 16 of FIFA's expanded competition. Fernandez was a vital cog in the Chelsea side that finished fourth in the Premier League to qualify for next season's Champions League, and also featured in their run to the UEFA Conference League title. At the Club World Cup he came off the bench at half-time to score the second goal in the 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in their opening game. The 24-year-old has started both matches since, and laid on two goals in the 3-0 victory against Esperance of Tunisia in Philadelphia which clinched Chelsea's place in the last 16. Fernandez was signed from Benfica in February 2023 for a British transfer record fee at the time of £107 million (RM621.6 million). In 2025 he has scored and assisted a total of 14 goals. 'This season he struggled a bit at the beginning to understand the way we want to play but (since) then he is doing fantastic also in terms of numbers, goals and assists,' Maresca added. 'This is what I want from attacking players — I have said many times that I prefer to have attacking players with 10-12 goals each than just one striker with 40 goals. 'His contribution has been top and I am sure it will be even better next season.' Chelsea have won all three previous competitive meetings with Benfica, the last coming in the Europa League final in 2013. But Maresca is wary of the Portuguese side after they beat Bayern Munich to top their group at the competition. 'I think Benfica, not only in this competition, have always shown how big a club they are in Europe,' said the coach. 'In the last game they beat Bayern so they showed what they can do. Every game is tough and complicated, and anything can happen.' If Chelsea win they will head to Philadelphia for a quarter-final on July 4. — AFP
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Palmeiras and Botafogo set to rekindle heated rivalry on global stage
PHILADELPHIA: In a nation where bitter football feuds typically simmer across generations, Botafogo and Palmeiras are poised to add another chapter to Brazil's explosive new rivalry when they meet in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Saturday. The feud, which erupted in 2023, has seen dramatic twists both on and off the pitch. Palmeiras, spearheaded by teenage sensation Endrick, overturned a three-goal deficit to defeat Botafogo 4-3, a result that triggered the Rio club's collapse in the Brazilian championship race. Palmeiras subsequently clinched the league title, sparking tensions that spilled into public exchanges between club officials. Palmeiras president Leila Pereira called Botafogo's owner John Textor "an idiot" and suggested he should be "banned from Brazilian football" after the American alleged referee bias in favor of Palmeiras. The rivalry defies Brazil's traditional city-based football feuds, with Palmeiras hailing from Sao Paulo and Botafogo from Rio de Janeiro. Unlike the century-old feuds of Flamengo-Fluminense or Atletico-Cruzeiro, this cross-country animosity has evolved into a pressure-cooker dynamic, with each encounter carrying heightened stakes. Botafogo exacted revenge in the 2024 Copa Libertadores, eliminating Palmeiras in the round of 16 en route to claiming the continental title. When the two met again in the Brazilian league at Palmeiras' home ground, Botafogo won again and eventually secured a domestic and international double. Since that 2023 defeat, Botafogo have gone unbeaten against Palmeiras in five consecutive matches. Saturday's encounter at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field will test the limits of a rivalry that has transcended mere competition, with local commentators describing it as "collective catharsis" for fans and players alike. "It means a lot. The last few games between Botafogo and Palmeiras have been high-level and intense," defender Alex Telles told reporters on Friday. "It's a healthy rivalry for Brazilian football. It's great to see two Brazilian teams facing each other in the Club World Cup and also to have all four teams advancing (to the last 16)."
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Chelsea's Maresca praises Fernandez before Benfica Club World Cup clash
CHELSEA manager Enzo Maresca has praised midfielder Enzo Fernandez ahead of their Club World Cup last-16 clash against Benfica, the Argentinian's former club. Speaking to reporters in Charlotte, Maresca highlighted Fernandez's professionalism and growing influence in the team. 'I am very pleased with Enzo especially because first of all he is a nice and polite boy, and then with us since we started he has been working very well in every aspect on and off the pitch,' Maresca said. Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023 for a then-British record fee of £107 million, has been instrumental this season. The 24-year-old contributed to 14 goals in 2025, including a crucial strike in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup group stage. 'This season he struggled a bit at the beginning to understand the way we want to play but (since) then he is doing fantastic also in terms of numbers, goals and assists,' Maresca added. Chelsea face Benfica on Saturday, a team they have beaten in all three previous competitive meetings. However, Maresca remains cautious after Benfica's impressive victory over Bayern Munich in the group stage. 'I think Benfica, not only in this competition, have always shown how big a club they are in Europe,' Maresca said. 'In the last game they beat Bayern so they showed what they can do.' A win would send Chelsea to Philadelphia for a quarter-final on July 4.
