Danilo’s brace sends Botafogo past Gremio 3-2

Botafogo defeated Gremio 3-2 at Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos on Wednesday, September 16, securing the win after a 1-1 half-time score. The Serie A regular-season match, played in Round 21, was decided by Danilo dos Santos de Oliveira’s second goal in the 79th minute, although Gremio reduced the deficit again eight minutes later.

Botafogo take the lead twice

Botafogo opened the scoring in the 30th minute. Álvaro Montoro supplied the assist for Danilo dos Santos de Oliveira, who put the home side ahead. Gremio responded six minutes later through Jovane Cabral, sending the teams into the interval level.

Botafogo regained the advantage seven minutes after the restart. Vitinho assisted Montoro for the 52nd-minute goal, giving the midfielder a direct role in two of his side’s three goals. Gremio remained within reach, but Danilo struck again in the 79th minute, once more assisted by Montoro.

Gremio refused to finish quietly. Tetê set up Gustavo Martins for an 88th-minute goal, but Botafogo held on for the final two minutes and completed the victory. The match also saw several changes after half-time, including Botafogo substitutions Edenilson for Danilo and Lucas Monzon for Gabriel Justino, while Gremio introduced José Enamorado, Martin Braithwaite and Matheus Nascimento at different stages.

Gremio had more possession but fewer shots on target

The statistics showed a contrast between control of the ball and the quality of the finishing. Gremio held 64% possession and completed 571 of 646 passes, compared with Botafogo’s 36% possession and 286 accurate passes from 368. Gremio also attempted more shots overall, 13 to 10.

Botafogo, however, put seven efforts on target, while Gremio managed three. The home side’s expected-goals figure was 0.89 against 0.57 for Gremio, and Botafogo goalkeeper saves were limited to one. Gremio goalkeeper saves totalled four. Both teams won three corners, while Gremio were caught offside twice and Botafogo were not flagged offside.

Montoro leads the individual performances

Montoro was the standout player by match rating, earning 8.9 after 79 minutes. He scored once, provided two assists, recorded two shots on target and made three key passes. Danilo also delivered a decisive contribution with two goals and three shots on target, receiving an 8.4 rating.

Erick Noriega received Gremio’s only yellow card in the 78th minute, while Danilo was booked in the 90th. The result leaves Botafogo 11th with 35 points from 27 games, while Gremio remain 16th with 28 points. Botafogo’s record is nine wins, eight draws and 10 losses; Gremio have seven wins, seven draws and 13 losses.