Introduction
Two of Brazil's largest clubs go head-to-head on the grand stage as Palmeiras face Botafogo in the Round of 16 in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This is the second ever all-Brazilian encounter in the tournament's history, and there will be plenty of fireworks between two sides who are recent domestic champions and have a rich rivalry in the second half of the 2020s. Both carried some of South America's best players, and with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs, this has the potential to be a Club World Cup classic.
Palmeiras vs. Botafogo—Significant Information about the Match
- Probability of Victory: Palmeiras have a 52.4% probability of winning after 90 minutes; Botafogo sit at 23.8% with a 23.8% chance for the draw.
- Recent Head-to-Head: Botafogo has gone five games vs. Palmeiras without losing (W3, D2).
- Recent History: The two teams crossed paths fiercely in the 2024 Serie A title race and played in the Copa Libertadores, and Botafogo won 4-3 over two games.
- Recent Form:
- Palmeiras (Club World Cup): D-W-D | All Competitions: L-W-L-D-W-D
- Botafogo (Club World Cup): W-W-L | All Competitions: W-W-W-W-W-L
Route to the Knockouts
Palmeiras—Group A Winner
Palmeiras was able to come back from 2-0 down to end in a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami to take the top spot in Group A on goal difference. Earlier in the knockouts, they had drawn with Porto and beat Al Ahly 2-0. Creative impact player Raphael Veiga created eight chances in just 115 minutes of play. 17-year-old Estêvão had the most take-ons and touches in the opposition penalty box.
Botafogo—Group B Runner-Up
Although it was a loss to Atlético Madrid, wins against PSG and the Seattle Sounders ensured that Botafogo made it through. Their 1-0 result vs. PSG is historic—it's the first South American win over a UEFA team in the Club World Cup since 2012.
Team News and Lineups
Palmeiras Team News
Injury concerns: Murilo (thigh)
Key Players: Raphael Veiga, Estevão, Gustavo Gómez.
Likely Line-Up: Weverton; Rocha, Gómez, Fuchs, Piquerez; Rios, Moreno; Estevão, Veiga, Torres; Roque
Botafogo Team News
Injured or unavailable: Gregore (suspension), Jeffinho (injury), Bastos (knee).
Key Players: Igor Jesus, Jefferson Savarino, Marlon Freitas.
Likely Line-Up: John; Vitinho, Cunha, Barboza, Telles; Allan, Freitas; Savarino, Artur, Jesus.
Stat Attack: Opta Power Rankings & Trends
Palmeiras vs. Botafogo H2H: 108 games all-time—Palmeiras (40 wins), Botafogo (33 wins), and draws (35).
Palmeiras is unbeaten in 3 games, with only 4 losses in their last 34 matches.
Botafogo have only 1 loss in their last 6 games and have gone unbeaten against Palmeiras in 2023.
Expert View: Pedro Ramos, Trivela
“This is a blood feud-type match that’s gained traction as a modern rivalry. It’s not a true derby match, but with the tension and stakes from their most recent meetings, it’s worth a watch. Watch for Igor Jesus, a potential world beater, likely heading to Nottingham Forest. Ultimately, Palmeiras will be talented enough, but having already taken down PSG, Botafogo may be able to capitalize.”
Spotlight Players
Palmeiras—Estêvão
With Chelsea following closely, this wonderkid is expected to shine in what may be just his final appearance in green. His flair and movement in the final third can unlock any defense.
Botafogo—Igor Jesus
Big, sharp, and efficient, the forward has been an instrumental part of Botafogo's season. He has already scored two goals and is the man Palmeiras will hope to contain.
Score Prediction: Palmeiras 0-1 Botafogo
While Palmeiras are marginal favorites, Botafogo has the psychological advantage as well as form and recent results to back it up from a betting point of view.
Prediction & Betting Tips
Top 3 Bets—Powered by Stake.com
1. Botafogo to Qualify—Odds: 3.45
Botafogo has the advantage between the two teams in recent encounters, and history suggests they will thrive in a tight knockout match.
2. Draw—Odds: 3.00
Despite a scoreless draw in their last match, six of the last eight meetings have seen 3 or more goals.
3. Palmeiras to Win – Odds: 2.41
In four of the last six meetings, we have witnessed goals at either end, and both teams have attacking players.
Betting Odds from Stake.com
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What’s the Next Step?
The winner of Palmeiras vs. Botafogo will take on either Benfica or Chelsea in the quarter-finals at Lincoln Financial Field. With both teams dreaming of global glory, Saturday's matchup is just the stepping stone to their World Cup adventures.
The great thing is that you can follow along with more previews, player stats, expert betting tips, and lots more at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup!
