In a rescheduled match from the fifth round of the 2026 Brasileirão, Athletico-PR showcased a dominant performance, defeating Botafogo 4-1 at Arena da Baixada this Sunday, March 29. Furacão wasted no time in establishing their authority on the pitch, taking the lead just three minutes into the game. The early goal set the tone for a match where Athletico-PR demonstrated their attacking prowess and tactical superiority.
Quick Start and Initial Struggles
The match began with a crucial mistake from Botafogo's center-back Alexander Barboza, who hesitated during a challenge in midfield. This allowed Athletico forward Kevin Viveros to capitalize on the opportunity, bursting into the box at high speed before firing a shot across goal that beat goalkeeper Raul. Despite this early setback, Botafogo struggled to create scoring chances throughout the first half, reflecting their difficulties following the dismissal of head coach Martín Anselmi.
Domínio total e goleada na nossa casa! ☑️🌪️
— Athletico Paranaense (@AthleticoPR) March 30, 2026
VAAAAAAAAMOS, FURACÃO! pic.twitter.com/N5eK2umAu0
However, just before halftime, Botafogo managed to equalize. After a corner kick was sent into the box, Barboza got a touch, but Athletico's goalkeeper Santos made a crucial save. Edenilson was quick to react to the rebound, striking it home to level the score. Yet, the tie was short-lived as Athletico responded immediately.
Second Half Dominance
Just before the break, Athletico-PR regained the lead in stoppage time. Dudu reached the byline and delivered a cross into the box. Although Julimar missed the opportunity, Viveros was there once again, finishing brilliantly to restore Furacão's advantage. This momentum carried into the second half, where just four minutes after the restart, full-back Esquivel executed a well-placed free kick into the box. Center-back Aguirre capitalized on the delivery, heading the ball into the corner to extend Athletico's lead.
O PIQUE DO VIVEROS PRA ABRIR O PLACAR PRO FURACÃO! 😮💨🔥#ForteUnião #Brasileirão #Athletico pic.twitter.com/rD6N8z0xFZ
— Futebol Forte União - FFU (@forte_uniao) March 30, 2026
Despite Athletico's continued pressure, they had a goal disallowed when Benavídez found the net, only for Viveros to be flagged offside. Nevertheless, Athletico was determined to secure a decisive victory, and they did just that.
A Spectacular Finish
To "put the final nail in the coffin," Esquivel delivered a spectacular curling free kick from the right side that lobbed over goalkeeper Raul, sealing a commanding 4-1 win for Athletico-PR. The absence of a head coach for Botafogo—now under interim management by Rodrigo Bellão from the U-20 team—left them unable to mount a comeback. As the match came to a close, Athletico controlled possession and passed the ball around confidently, much to the delight of their fans, who celebrated with chants of "olé."
Alex Telles deu um beijinho na bola. Ele bateu o escanteio, e Edenilson marcou para o Botafogo diante do Athletico #futebol #athleticopr #botafogo #brasileirao pic.twitter.com/Yug82W46RQ
— ge (@geglobo) March 29, 2026
With this convincing victory, Athletico-PR continues to solidify their position in the Brasileirão, showcasing their potential as a formidable force in the league.
