Paulinho came off the bench to score a brilliant extra-time winner as Palmeiras edged fierce rivals Botafogo 1-0 in a tense all-Brazilian affair to reach the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals.
The former Bayer Leverkusen winger cut inside from the right and rifled a low strike into the bottom corner in the 100th minute, securing a hard-fought win in front of 33,657 fans at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
His second goal of the tournament sent Palmeiras through to a last-eight clash with either Chelsea or Benfica — a matchup that could pit 18-year-old star Estêvão Willian against his soon-to-be new employers from Stamford Bridge.
Familiar Rivals, Familiar Fire
This clash reignited one of Brazil’s fiercest modern rivalries, with the two clubs sharing dramatic recent history in domestic and continental competitions. From Endrick’s sensational comeback in 2023 that handed Palmeiras a league title, to Botafogo’s triumph over them in the Copa Libertadores in 2024 — the stakes were always going to be high.
The match lived up to its combative billing, even if not its attacking promise. Eleven yellow cards were shown in total, with Palmeiras captain Gustavo Gómez receiving his second yellow in the 116th minute to cap a nervy finish.
Despite the ill-tempered tone, Palmeiras bossed possession and territory for much of the encounter. Botafogo, by contrast, lacked fluency and struggled to create clear chances until late in the second period of extra time.
Cagey Start, Missed Chances
Palmeiras began on the front foot, setting the tempo early. Within ten minutes, striker Vitor Roque fluffed a chance from a Joaquin Piquerez cross before his penalty appeal was waved away.
In a scrappy first half short on quality, Richard Ríos came closest, firing just over the bar as half-time approached. Palmeiras continued to press after the interval, and Estêvão soon forced Botafogo keeper John into a fine low save from 25 yards. The teenage sensation, whose £29 million move to Chelsea is already agreed, then had a goal ruled out for offside.
Maurício’s header was tipped over by John in the 81st minute as Palmeiras turned up the pressure. The tie remained goalless after 90 minutes, sending it into extra time.
Paulinho’s Moment of Magic
Just when another all-Brazilian penalty shootout looked inevitable, Paulinho found a breakthrough. Receiving the ball wide on the right, he cut inside his marker and lashed a low drive into the far corner — a clinical finish from a player recently back from a tibia stress fracture.
It was his second crucial strike as a substitute, having also scored in the comeback draw against Inter Miami that helped Palmeiras progress from the group stage.
Even after going a man down when Gómez saw red, Palmeiras held on. Botafogo nearly capitalised with late efforts from Vitinho and Igor Jesus, but goalkeeper Weverton and his defence stood firm to preserve their third clean sheet in four Club World Cup matches — the most of any team in the tournament.
Key Players & Stats
Paulinho may have grabbed the winner, but Estêvão was voted Player of the Match with an 8.17 average rating, tormenting defenders with his pace and close control. Ríos also impressed in midfield, while centre-back Bruno Fuchs marshalled the back line effectively after Gómez’s dismissal.
Palmeiras have now scored four goals via substitutes — more than any other team in the competition — underlining their depth and tactical flexibility.
What’s Next
Palmeiras will remain in Philadelphia to prepare for a blockbuster quarter-final against either Chelsea or Benfica on Friday. Botafogo, meanwhile, bow out of the tournament and will return to Brazil to resume their domestic campaign in two weeks.
Though it lacked fluidity, this win was another testament to Palmeiras’ grit and ability to rise in the big moments — qualities that may yet take them all the way in the new-format Club World Cup.
