Palmeiras booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brazilian rivals Botafogo on Saturday. A tense and attritional affair at Lincoln Financial Field was settled by a moment of brilliance from Paulinho in extra time, ensuring Palmeiras' progression in the tournament.
The highly anticipated round of 16 encounter between two of Brazil's top clubs largely failed to live up to its attacking billing during a cagey 90 minutes of regulation time. Both sides, familiar with each other from their domestic league battles, effectively canceled each other out, with clear-cut chances at a premium.
The match finally roared to life in the first half of extra time. In the 100th minute, substitute Paulinho, who had entered the fray in the second half, broke the deadlock. He picked up the ball and drove at the Botafogo defense before dispatching a clinical finish past the opposition goalkeeper to give Palmeiras the crucial lead.
Despite the breakthrough, the drama was far from over. Palmeiras were reduced to ten men in the 116th minute when captain Gustavo Gómez received a red card for a second bookable offense, setting up a nervy final few minutes for the São Paulo side. However, Abel Ferreira's men held on resolutely to secure their passage to the next round.
The result marks another chapter in the growing rivalry between Palmeiras and Botafogo, who have been prominent contenders for major honors in recent seasons. This victory will be particularly sweet for Palmeiras, who advance to face the winner of the upcoming tie between two other footballing giants.
