Botafogo vs Universitario Prediction: The Brazilians must win after two losses in Group D

There's no alternative for Botafogo but to win against Universitario. With zero points from two games, the Brazilians must beat the Peruvians, who are second in the group with four points, the same as Junior. Liga de Quito, the Copa Sudamericana holder, has three points, thanks to a victory precisely over Botafogo.

Two wins in a row in the Brasileirão have reassured the mood around the team and its new coach. With Portuguese Artur Jorge at the helm, the Glorioso lost in Quito and then at Cruzeiro in the Brasileirão opener, much to the fans' disappointment. However, making good use of two successive home fixtures with Atlético Goianiense and Juventude, two sides coming from the Série B, Botafogo managed two victories, the last of them by 5-1. After nine minutes, the Rio de Janeiro side was already leading 2-0. With their confidence restored, the Brazilians face Universitario, knowing it's a decisive match. If they win, they'll be back in the fight for qualification.

The Merengues are in second place in Peru's Liga 1, behind Sporting Cristal. The Peruvian champion has yet to lose in 2024, in 12 league games and two in the Copa Libertadores. Universitario beat Liga de Quito at home and drew in Barranquilla against Junior. If the Lima side manages to pick up a point at the Nilton Santos, it will be well-placed to qualify for the Copa Libertadores knockout stage. Universitario's highlight in the competition was reaching the final in 1972, losing to Independiente.

Botafogo looks more confident after two straight victories in the Brasileirão but will face an opponent that has yet to lose this season. Inconsistency has been Botafogo's hallmark in recent months, and it's up to Artur Jorge to change that. Recent wins have come against newly promoted teams from the Série B, but Universitario is at a higher level. Botafogo could win, but I still doubt the team's ability to withstand the pressure, so I will bet on both teams scoring.