São Paulo edged Botafogo 1‑0 in Serie A Round 23 at Morumbi
When São Paulo FC edged Botafogo RJ 1‑0 at Morumbi Stadium on 14 September 2025, the only goal came from Juan Dinenno in the seventh minute. The match, part of round 23 of the 2025 Brazilian Serie A, left both clubs level on 35 points, but the win nudged São Paulo up the table while keeping Botafogo’s campaign on a knife‑edge.
Match Overview and Key Moments
The encounter was officially recorded as São Paulo vs Botafogo – Round 23Morumbi Stadium. Refereed by Wilton Pereira Sampaio, the game started at a brisk pace. Dinenno’s seventh‑minute strike, a low right‑footed finish from the edge of the box, sent the home crowd into a roar that lingered for the rest of the night.
São Paulo pressed for a second goal, with wing‑back Enzo Díaz curling a free‑kick that rattled the post in the 22nd minute. Later, Gonzalo Tapia tested the keeper twice, but both attempts went wide. Botafogo responded with a flurry of attempts, yet the only clear chance fell to Christopher Ramos, whose header sailed just over the crossbar in the 68th minute.
Line‑ups, Tactics, and Injuries
São Paulo deployed a 3‑5‑2, anchored by goalkeeper Rafael. The back three comprised Rafael Toloi, Alan Franco and Sabino. Wing‑backs Soares and Díaz provided width, while a midfield trio of Alisson, Pablo Maia and Rodriguinho tried to dominate possession.
Botafogo lined up in a classic 4‑4‑2, with Neto in goal. The defensive line of Vitinho, Kaio, David Ricardo and Fernando Marçal stayed compact, but the team struggled to create space against São Paulo’s high press. Both sides suffered notable absences: São Paulo missed André, Oscar and Lucas Moura, while Botafogo were without Arthur Cabral and Nathan Fernandes. The injury list forced both coaches to rotate their benches, with Botafogo making two halftime changes: L. Linck replaced Neto and J. Correa entered for Allan.
Rivalry History and Table Implications
Historically, the two clubs have been dead‑locked: prior to this match the head‑to‑head record stood at 9 wins each and 10 draws. The victory pushes São Paulo ahead by a single win, a subtle shift that could matter if the season tightens in the final stretch.
In the league table, São Paulo sits seventh with a 9‑8‑6 record, while Botafogo holds fifth place at 10‑5‑6. Both clubs are on 35 points, but Botafogo’s fewer losses mask a lower win total. The three‑point gap to the top‑four, currently occupied by Palmeiras, Flamengo and Atlético‑MG, means every point now feels like gold.
Reactions from Coaches and Players
São Paulo head coach Dorival Júnior praised his side’s resilience: “We knew we had to start strong, and Dinenno gave us the gift early on. The challenge now is to keep the focus and turn this win into a run of points.”
Botafogo’s manager Renato Gaúcho was more measured. “We were unlucky not to score. The defence did its job, but we need a sharper edge up front. The league is unforgiving; a draw won’t be enough.”
After the final whistle, Dinenno was mobbed by fans and said, “Scoring first always changes the game. I’m happy it helped the team, but we have to keep working. The season is long.”
What Lies Ahead for São Paulo and Botafogo
Both clubs face a congested schedule in the coming weeks, with São Paulo set to travel to Rio de Janeiro for a clash against Fluminense on 21 September, while Botafogo host Corinthians a day later. Those matches could reshape the top‑five battle.
Analysts note that São Paulo’s defensive solidity, demonstrated by keeping a clean sheet despite multiple shots on target, may be the foundation for a late‑season surge. Botafogo, meanwhile, will likely look to reinforce their attack during the next transfer window, hoping to add a proven striker to complement Christopher Ramos and Jeffinho.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect São Paulo’s chances of reaching the Copa Libertadores?
The win lifts São Paulo to seventh place, keeping them within three points of the fourth‑place slot that grants a Libertadores berth. With eleven matches left, a steady accumulation of points could see them overtake teams like Internacional if they maintain defensive solidity.
What were the key tactical differences between the two sides?
São Paulo’s three‑center‑back system allowed wing‑backs to press high and supply the forwards, while Botafogo’s four‑defender line stayed deeper, limiting space in the final third. São Paulo also switched to a more compact midfield after the goal, neutralising Botafogo’s central passing lanes.
Who missed the most significant chances for Botafogo?
Christopher Ramos had the clearest opportunity, heading a cross over the bar in the 68th minute. Jeffinho also drifted into a one‑on‑one with Rafael, but his low shot was comfortably saved.
What injuries could influence the next matches for both clubs?
São Paulo remains without forward Lucas Moura, limiting attacking options, while Botafogo still lacks striker Arthur Cabral, a proven goal scorer. Both teams will assess fitness in the coming training sessions before their next fixtures.
When is the next head‑to‑head meeting between São Paulo and Botafogo?
The two clubs are scheduled to meet again in the 2025 Brazilian Serie A on 5 March 2026, as part of the season’s second half. That encounter could be decisive in the fight for a Libertadores spot.