Botafogo will have the same line-up from the first match against São Paulo in the second leg of the Libertadores quarter-finals. Despite the goalless draw at Nilton Santos, in Rio, coach Artur Jorge chose to repeat the formation that had already started and had maximum strength. Recent reinforcements Vitinho and Alex Telles return to start the duel.
To reach the semifinals of the competition, Alvinegro has the mission of winning the São Paulo Tricolor with any advantage. This is because there is equality in the first confrontation and, since there is no longer an away goal as a criterion for victory, a victory for both parties guarantees progress. If there is no change in the score, the decision will be made by a penalty shootout.
São Paulo, like Botafogo, came in with a more offensive formation and tried to take advantage of the home advantage to secure themselves in the Libertadores semifinals. Previously having a lineup with three defenders in the scheme, the team once again had only two defensive cores – Arboleda and Alan Franco. In addition, there was the entrance of Wellington Rato in the middle.
