Botafogo vs São Paulo Prediction: Botafogo will face a tricky opponent

Botafogo and São Paulo will battle to progress to the Copa Libertadores semi-finals in one of the two quarter-finals between clubs from Brazil. In the other Brazilian clash, the trophy holder, Fluminense, takes on Atlético Mineiro. Botafogo has never won the competition, while São Paulo has won the Copa Libertadores three times.

The Lone Star team beat Corinthians 2-1 at home to stay top of the Brasileirão with a three-point lead over Palmeiras. It was a challenging game for the Cariocas, as the visitors fought hard for a draw. The Paulistas had two penalties but only scored one. Botafogo's goals were scored by Luiz Henrique and Thiago Almada. The world champion played his best game in the striped shirt, looking better adapted to his new team. In the Copa Libertadores, the best Botafogo has done was to reach the semi-finals twice, in 1963 and 1973. The Glorious currently has one of the best squads in South America and a real chance of lifting the trophy for the first time. São Paulo is a team that defends well, so Botafogo must be patient in its offensive phase.

The Tricolor Paulista won somewhat unexpectedly away to Cruzeiro 1-0. The result came as a surprise because no team had won at the Mineirão this year in the Série A and also because Luís Zubeldía, São Paulo's coach, didn't field his best team in anticipation of the big game with Botafogo. São Paulo climbed to fifth place, overtaking Cruzeiro in the standings. The club from Morumbi has a long history in the Copa Libertadores, which is perhaps its advantage over Botafogo. The Cariocas have better players these days, but São Paulo is a bigger club used to winning titles, and that could matter in the quarter-finals.

Botafogo is building a strong side and can win titles if it doesn't fail in the big decisions, as has often happened in its history. The Lone Star club has never won the Copa Libertadores, only reaching the semi-finals twice. The Cariocas eliminated Palmeiras in the Round of 16, and that massive victory may have started a new era for Botafogo. São Paulo is a club used to big occasions and could cause problems for the Glorious. I'm backing Botafogo to win, but the game should be evenly balanced.