Botafogo vs Atlético Goianiense Prediction: The Cariocas must win this game

Portuguese coach Artur Jorge arrived at Botafogo hoping to give the players the confidence they've lacked since last year when they let the championship title slip through their fingers. In the two games under the new coach, Botafogo showed the usual problems, such as a shaky defense and the inability to hold on to a result in the last few minutes. The players' mental fragility continues to make it difficult for them to get good results. Perhaps with a theoretically more accessible opponent like Atlético Goianiense, Botafogo can disguise its problems.

In its first match in the Brasileirão 2024, Botafogo got off to the best possible start. After just 5 minutes, Tiquinho Soares put the Cariocas ahead against Cruzeiro at the Mineirão. It seemed that the Copa Libertadores defeat in Quito was behind them and that the coach had succeeded in instilling confidence in the players. That may well have been the case, but it was temporary. The old ghosts returned to haunt Botafogo after Cruzeiro equalized after 20 minutes. The Glorioso conceded the second goal in the second half but still managed to draw level in the 83rd minute through Danilo Barbosa. As happened several times last year, Botafogo again suffered a goal in the last seconds of the match and ended up losing 3-2. Probably, the Cariocas need a long winning streak to forget the past as they continue to doubt their abilities.

Playing with ten players, the Dragon almost managed to draw with Flamengo in the Brasileirão Round 1. Only a penalty in the 96' converted by Pedro broke the home team's resistance. It was a very positive performance from the newly promoted side. Atlético left a good impression, and we're curious how the team will perform at the Nilton Santos. The Dragon will be looking to take a point back to Goiânia.

Botafogo must win this match. There can be no other possible outcome for the Cariocas and their new coach, who has lost his first two games in charge. Despite losing to Flamengo, the Goiãnia side played very well and will be confident going to Rio de Janeiro. I will still bet on Botafogo winning, as it has more individual quality than Atlético Goianiense.