Cuiabá secured a 2:1 away win against Botafogo at the Estádio Santa-Cruz on Friday evening, moving into 11th place in the Série B standings. The visitors took the lead through Vitor Mendes in the 62nd minute before Everton Morelli equalised for the hosts just eight minutes later. Kauan Cristtyan then struck deep into stoppage time to complete the turnaround.
Botafogo controlled much of the encounter, holding 60 per cent of possession and registering 11 shots to their opponents' 10. They created more attacking pressure with 123 attacks compared to 74, yet their expected goals figure of 0.6 tells a different story. Cuiabá, despite their lower possession, carried real threat on the counter, registering 0.76 expected goals from fewer opportunities.
The match was punctuated by several changes on the bench. Wesley was substituted for Botafogo just after the interval, while Cuiabá brought on Eliel in the 58th minute and Hygor alongside Felipe Vieira for the hosts in the 60th. Both sides made further adjustments in the second half, with Wesley Pinheiro and Matheus Sales coming on for Botafogo at 73 minutes.
Defensive discipline was tested throughout, with Wesley picking up a yellow card in the 22nd minute and Felipe Vieira booked just before half-time. Ericson da Silva added another caution for Botafogo in the 50th minute. The hosts made 31 clearances and won 16 aerial duels, while Cuiabá managed 31 clearances and edged the aerial battle 17 to 16.
Botafogo remain 15th on 31 points after 25 matches, their recent form showing a mixed run of results. They came into this game following a 3:0 defeat to Atlético Goianiense on August 25th. Cuiabá sit four points clear in 11th place with 36 points, having drawn their last three matches including a 1:1 with Goiás on August 22nd.
