Two first-half goals give Mirassol a 2-0 win over Botafogo

Mirassol’s 2-0 win built on a decisive first half

Mirassol defeated Botafogo 2-0 in Serie A’s 28th regular-season round at José Maria de Campos Maia on Saturday. The hosts led by the same margin at half-time after Carlos Eduardo de Oliveira Alve scored twice, securing a result that moved Mirassol to 32 points while Botafogo remained on 35 after 28 matches.

Two goals changed the match before the break

Mirassol took control of the scoreboard in the 16th minute. Igor Formiga supplied the assist for Carlos Eduardo de Oliveira Alve, who finished the move to give the home side an early lead. The same scorer struck again in the 45th minute, leaving Botafogo with a two-goal deficit at the interval.

Botafogo responded with three changes at half-time, introducing Edenilson for Álvaro Montoro, Hakim Ziyech for Danilo and Júnior Santos for Huguinho. Arthur Cabral was later replaced by Lucas Villalba in the 61st minute, but those changes did not produce a goal. Mirassol made its first listed substitution in the 67th minute, when Shaylon Kallyson Cardozo replaced Carlos Eduardo de Oliveira Alve, and Carlos Eduardo came on for Edson Carioca in the 76th.

Botafogo had more possession but could not convert

The statistics show a close contest in volume, even though the scoreline favored Mirassol clearly. Botafogo held 52% possession and completed 500 accurate passes from 556 total, compared with Mirassol’s 48% possession and 526 accurate passes from 580. Both teams attempted 12 shots, while Botafogo registered more efforts from inside the box, 11 to seven.

Mirassol, however, produced seven shots on target to Botafogo’s five and limited the visitors to one shot from outside the box. Walter made five saves for Mirassol, while Botafogo’s goalkeeper made four. The hosts also avoided conceding despite Botafogo taking four corners to their three. The figures indicate that Botafogo enjoyed more of the ball and created comparable shooting volume, but Mirassol was more effective with its chances.

Eduardo leads the individual performances

Eduardo was the standout performer, receiving a match rating of 9.1 after scoring twice in 67 minutes. João Victor and Willian Machado both rated 8.0, while Igor Formiga earned 7.8 after providing the opening assist, recording a shot on target, two key passes and three tackles. Walter’s five saves also supported Mirassol’s clean sheet.

The only disciplinary incident listed was a yellow card for Botafogo’s Huguinho in the 35th minute. Neither side received a red card. Mirassol’s win adds a victory to its recent form, while Botafogo’s sequence now includes another defeat.