Botafogo have secured a spot in the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025 after finishing second in Group B.
In a group that featured two European giants, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Atletico Madrid (ATM), few expected the Brazilian side to progress. But they have proved their critics wrong. Despite losing their final group game 1-0 to Atletico Madrid, Botafogo qualified for the next round based on a better goal difference. They now advance along with the group winners, PSG.
After the match, Botafogo captain Marlon Freitas reflected on the defeat and spoke with pride about their overall performance. He said they have shown the value of Brazilian football and, as South American champions, they deserve more respect.
“We wanted to finish top of the group.” – Botafogo captain, Marlon Freitas
Speaking to TV Globo, Freitas said: “Sure, we wanted to win, and I think we had our chances. We knew how to defend, and I believe we deserved at least a draw. Conceding that late goal was heartbreaking because we wanted to finish top of the group.”
“However, we should celebrate because, before the tournament started, everyone thought we had no chance against two top opponents from major European leagues. We’ve shown the value of Brazilian football. We are champions of South America, and we deserve respect,” he concluded.
Botafogo earned their place in this tournament by winning the Copa Libertadores in 2024. They were also the champions of the 2024 Brazilian Serie A. Now, in the Round of 16, they will face Group A toppers Palmeiras on 28 June.
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