32 shots for Botafogo, three points for Atletico Paranaense

Atletico Paranaense hold on for 3-2 win despite Botafogo pressure

Atletico Paranaense defeated Botafogo 3-2 at Estádio Nilton Santos on Monday, August 24, taking all three points in Serie A’s regular-season round 24. The visitors led 2-0 at half-time before Botafogo scored twice late, but Atletico Paranaense maintained their advantage to secure the win.

Fast start gives visitors control

Atletico Paranaense made the stronger start, opening the scoring after 11 minutes through Joao Cruz. K. Viveros doubled the lead just two minutes later, finishing a move assisted by Dantas. The two early goals gave the visitors a firm platform, and Botafogo went into the interval two goals behind despite playing at home.

Botafogo changed the shape of the game after the break with Junior Santos replacing Kauan Toledo in the 46th minute. Atletico Paranaense also made two half-time changes, bringing on K. A. Calderon Vargas and J. Portilla for Leozinho and Luiz Gustavo. Botafogo later introduced K. Barria and Huguinho, while Dudu Kogitzki replaced Joao Cruz for the visitors.

Viveros adds a third before late response

Atletico Paranaense appeared to have settled the result in the 78th minute when K. Viveros scored his second goal of the match, with K. A. Calderon Vargas providing the assist. Botafogo responded quickly through S. Rodriguez, who reduced the deficit in the 85th minute. Rodriguez struck again in the 90th minute, this time assisted by Danilo Pereira, but the equaliser did not arrive before the final whistle.

The match’s disciplinary incidents were limited to three yellow cards. Botafogo’s Kauan Toledo was booked in the 35th minute and Edenilson received a yellow card in the 68th. Atletico Paranaense’s Dantas was cautioned in the 77th minute.

Botafogo dominate statistics but fall short

The scoreline contrasted sharply with several of the main numbers. Botafogo had 56% possession, completed 432 of 488 passes and registered 32 total shots, including eight on target. Atletico Paranaense managed seven shots, six on target, and had only 44% possession. Botafogo also led 13-2 on corners and recorded an expected-goals figure of 2.75 compared with Atletico Paranaense’s 0.83. However, the visitors’ six shots on target and Santos’ six saves helped them protect their lead.

Santos was the standout performer, earning a match rating of 8.9 after playing all 90 minutes and making six saves. Kevin Viveros also had a decisive impact with two goals and two shots on target.

Impact on the table

Atletico Paranaense moved on with 41 points from 23 matches and remain third, with a record of 12 wins, five draws and six losses and a goal difference of 11. Botafogo stay 11th on 30 points from 22 games, with eight wins, six draws and eight losses and a goal difference of one. The result extended Atletico Paranaense’s positive form while Botafogo’s recent results remain uneven.