Just eight days after being crowned continental champions, Botafogo secured the Brazilian top league title as well. Amid the celebrations of their Copa Libertadores triumph, the club found another reason to rejoice by clinching the Brasileirão title after nearly three decades.
In the early hours of Monday (Bangladesh time), Botafogo defeated São Paulo in a Serie A match to seal their championship. They finished the league with 79 points from 38 matches, six points ahead of runners-up Palmeiras.
This marks Botafogo’s second Brazilian Serie A title, the first being in 1968. Their last championship victory was in 1995, nearly 29 years ago.
In the decisive match, Jefferson Savarino gave the home team the lead in the 37th minute. William Gomes equalized in the 63rd minute before Gregore’s added-time winner ensured Botafogo’s third league trophy.
Interestingly, just eight days ago, in the Copa Libertadores final, Botafogo’s Brazilian midfielder Gregore was shown a red card in the very first minute. Despite being down to 10 men, Botafogo played spiritedly to defeat Atlético Mineiro 3-1 and claim their maiden continental crown.
Winning the Copa Libertadores also secured Botafogo a spot in next year’s expanded Club World Cup, featuring 32 teams, to be held in the United States. Botafogo, owned by American businessman John Textor, will now prepare to represent South America on the global stage.
