Paulinho came off the bench to net a dramatic extra-time winner as Palmeiras edged past rivals Botafogo to become the first side through to the quarter-finals of the revamped Club World Cup.
In a tense and often scrappy all-Brazilian affair, it was the former Bayer Leverkusen winger who provided the decisive moment, cutting in from the right before firing a low drive past goalkeeper John in the 100th minute. The match had been goalless through 90 minutes, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Palmeiras finished the game with ten men after captain Gustavo Gómez was dismissed late on, but held firm under pressure to secure their progression. They will now face either Chelsea or Benfica in Philadelphia on Friday, with a semi-final place at stake.
The game was always likely to be fiercely contested, given the recent history between the two sides. Their rivalry flared in 2023 when Palmeiras, inspired by Endrick, came from 3-0 down to beat Botafogo en route to the Brazilian league title. Botafogo got some revenge in 2024 by knocking Palmeiras out of the Copa Libertadores on their way to their first South American crown.
This latest clash began in feisty fashion, with Botafogo defender Alexander Barboza booked early for a crunching challenge on Richard Rios. Palmeiras, however, were the more dominant side, with Vitor Roque and Estevão Willian both testing the Botafogo defence.
Estevão, who will join Chelsea next month in a £29 million move, looked lively on the left wing and produced the game’s first shot on target shortly after half-time. He later had a goal ruled out for offside before being substituted in the 64th minute.
Despite creating more chances, Palmeiras couldn’t find the breakthrough in regulation time, with Mauricio’s close-range header forcing a fine save from John to send the match into extra time.
The deadlock was finally broken when Paulinho, making only his second appearance since returning from a stress fracture in his right leg, struck a composed finish past John. It was his second crucial goal off the bench in as many games, having also scored against Inter Miami to help Palmeiras reach the knockout stage.
Palmeiras’ task was complicated late in extra time when captain Gómez was shown a second yellow card, one of 11 bookings handed out by French referee François Letexier in a match that often simmered with tension. Botafogo pressed for an equaliser, with Igor Jesus and Vitinho both going close, but Palmeiras’ defence — which has now kept three clean sheets in four matches — stood strong.
Palmeiras have kept three clean sheets at the tournament — more than any other team.
They’ve also scored four goals via substitutes, again the most in the competition.
Palmeiras remain in Philadelphia ahead of Friday’s quarter-final against either Chelsea or Benfica. Botafogo, meanwhile, return to Brazil with their domestic campaign set to resume in two weeks.