Capital vs Botafogo: Can Capital pull off a comeback and advance to the next round?
In the early hours of Friday, May 23, we're set for a 1/16 final clash in the Brazilian Cup as Capital hosts Botafogo. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 a.m. Central European Time. Here’s our betting preview for this showdown.
See also: Defensa y Justicia vs Newell’s Old Boys prediction, H2H and probable lineups - May 23, 2025
Capital vs Botafogo: match facts and head-to-head
- The first leg of the 1/16 finals ended in a crushing 4-0 victory for Botafogo.
- Botafogo is unbeaten in their last four matches: one draw and three wins.
- Out of their last seven games, Capital has only won twice, drawn once, and lost the rest.
- Botafogo has managed just one win in their last ten away matches.
- In just two of their last twelve away games has Botafogo found the net, scoring only twice in that span.
- Botafogo wins 31% of their matches without conceding, but they've also lost by shutout in exactly the same proportion.
- This will be only the second-ever head-to-head meeting between these teams.
Capital vs Botafogo: match preview
The first encounter between these sides saw Botafogo cruise to a confident 4-0 win. Most of the goals came late in the game: the opener arrived as early as the 12th minute, with three more added in the 74th, 76th, and 90+1 minutes. The result—a blowout on home turf—seemingly leaves Capital with little hope of advancing. But the story isn’t quite so simple.
At home, Capital has actually been solid, suffering just two defeats in their last ten home fixtures while racking up seven wins. As for Botafogo, they’ve only claimed victory in one of their last ten away matches.
Still, I don’t believe in a miracle from Capital. After all, they’re a Serie D side—the fourth tier of Brazilian football. Botafogo, meanwhile, won Serie A and the Copa Libertadores last season. While they did exit the Cup at the round of 16 last year, they’ll surely be aiming to go further this time around.
Probable lineups
- Botafogo: John, Jair Paula, Alex Telles, David Loyola, Vitinho, Cuiabano, Gregore, Marlon Freitas, Allan, Igor Jesus, Rwan Seco
Prediction
I expect the home side to at least find the net, but their chances of victory are slim. My bet is on a Botafogo win at odds of 1.53.
