Atlético Paranaense came from behind to beat Botafogo 3-2 at Estádio Nilton Santos in the Série A regular season on Sunday evening. The visitors took a 2-1 advantage into the second half before Botafogo levelled, but two late goals from S. Rodriguez sealed the win for third-placed Atlético. The result leaves Botafogo in 12th place with 30 points after 24 matches, while Atlético move to within 15 points of the leaders.
Joao Cruz gave the hosts the lead in the 11th minute, but K. Viveros responded just two minutes later to make it 1-1. The opening exchanges set the tone for an open game, with both sides willing to attack. By then, Botafogo had already shown their intent to dominate possession, and the statistics would later confirm that pattern.
Atlético made three changes at the break, bringing on Leozinho, Luiz Gustavo and others. Botafogo followed suit, replacing Joao Cruz in the 61st minute. Edenilson picked up a yellow card in the 68th minute, and Dantas joined him on the book in the 77th. The game remained cagey through the middle phase, with neither side able to break free.
K. Viveros restored Atlético's lead in the 78th minute, only for Botafogo to respond with two late strikes of their own. S. Rodriguez scored in the 85th minute and added another in stoppage time to make it 3-2. The visitors were ruthlessly efficient — their shot accuracy stood at 86 per cent compared to Botafogo's 24 per cent, despite the hosts registering 23 shots to Atlético's seven.
Botafogo created more opportunities, with 3 big chances and an expected goals figure of 2.89, but they could not convert. Atlético managed just 3 big chances and 0.83 expected goals, yet their clinical edge proved decisive. The result ends Botafogo's recent run of mixed form, while Atlético continue to build momentum in their push for a top-four finish.
