Palmeiras vs Botafogo prediction, H2H and probable lineups — June 28, 2025
In the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup, Palmeiras and Botafogo are set to clash. The match will take place in Philadelphia on Saturday, June 28. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 Central European Time. I recommend betting on goals in this encounter.
Match preview
One of Brazil’s football powerhouses, Palmeiras, have advanced to the playoffs with lofty ambitions. The squad boasts plenty of talent and a coach who knows how to adapt to any opponent.
This season, the club has focused on ball possession and aggressive pressing. In attack, the creative engine is formed by Rafael Veiga, Estevão, and Vitor Roque — these three are the heart of the team’s offense.
So far in the tournament, Palmeiras have shared the points with Porto and defeated Egypt’s Al Ahly. The group’s fate was decided in the final round, when the “green-and-whites” salvaged a draw against Inter Miami. Abel Ferreira’s men came back from two goals down in the dying minutes to snatch a crucial point.
This result allowed them to clinch first place in the group and secure a theoretically easier opponent in the knockout stage. Had they lost to Messi and company, they would have faced PSG in the Round of 16 — a far tougher challenge.
Botafogo are the dark horse of this stage. Despite a less star-studded roster, the team is well-organized, physically strong, and regularly troubles the favorites.
The Brazilians cleared the group hurdle thanks to two wins over Seattle and PSG. The victory against the French side was particularly important, allowing them to finish second in the group despite a later loss to Atlético.
Botafogo’s defensive play is far from flawless: they often make positional mistakes on crosses and set pieces. At the same time, the team seems reluctant to dictate the pace, making them dangerous on the counter but vulnerable in possession-based battles.
One advantage for Botafogo is their familiarity with Palmeiras, and in recent head-to-heads, they've had the upper hand. The two sides met three months ago in Brazil’s Serie A and know each other well. In any case, advancing from a tough group in the Club World Cup is already a major success for Botafogo. Why not keep the fairy tale alive and push even further, especially with such an evenly matched opponent?
Match facts
- Palmeiras are unbeaten in this tournament so far.
- Botafogo have failed to score in just one of their last six matches.
- Palmeiras average 2.2 goals per game, while Botafogo average 1.4.
Probable lineups
- Palmeiras: Weverton, Marcos Rocha, Gómez, Bruno Fuchs, Piquerez, Ríos, Lucas Evangelista, Rafael Veiga, Torres, Estevão, López.
- Botafogo: John Victor, Vitinho, Alex Telles, Jair, Barbosa, Gregore, Marlon, Allan, Arthur, Savarino, Igor Jesus.
H2H
Palmeiras have failed to defeat Botafogo in each of their last five meetings.
Prediction
Matches between Brazilian clubs are always full of passion and goals, especially on neutral ground and under playoff pressure. Palmeiras will look to strike early and control the tempo, while Botafogo will stick to basics and capitalize on any defensive lapses. It’s highly likely that both sides will get on the scoresheet, and that’s where my bet goes.
