Introduction – Botafogo-SP x Paysandu and the importance of the direct confrontation
The duel between Botafogo-SP x Paysandu, played on the night of October 7, 2025, at 9:35 pm, at the Santa Cruz Stadium / Arena Nicnet, in Ribeirão Preto, was one of the most tense clashes of the 31st round of the Brasileirão Série B 2025.
Both clubs entered the field under pressure. Botafogo-SP, playing at home, desperately needed three points to move away from the relegation zone. Paysandu, at the bottom of the table, was looking for a win to reignite its dream of staying in Série B.
The atmosphere was one of decisiveness. The stadium welcomed a good crowd, and the home crowd cheered the team on from start to finish. The final result—a 1-0 victory for Botafogo-SP, with a goal by Ronie Carrillo in the 88th minute—brought relief to the São Paulo team and despair to the Pará team.
In addition to the result, the game was marked by controversial refereeing, criticism of the pitch and yet another worrying injury to the bicolor squad, increasing the tension in the final stretch of the championship.
Pre-match – Pressure, lineups and atmosphere behind the scenes
Botafogo-SP: survival mission at home
Botafogo-SP was on a patchy run, with only two wins in its last nine matches, and needed to bounce back in front of its fans. The coach assembled a more compact team, focusing on quick transitions and intensity in midfield.
The fans demanded a more attacking approach, especially after disappointing results at home. The group responded on the field, showing more determination and better tactical balance. Internally, the board treated the game as a “championship final,” and this was evident in the players’ dedication.
Paysandu: drama in the lantern and hope in Belém
Paysandu arrived in Ribeirão Preto in a precarious situation. With 15 losses and only 6 wins in 30 rounds, the team knew that another setback could seal its fate in the Série C. Coach Márcio Fernandes tried to adjust the team, but physical limitations and the heavy pitch made his strategy difficult.
Even with a reduced squad and low confidence, Papão started the game with determination, trying to press high up the pitch and make it difficult for Botafogo to get the ball out. Their approach was praised, but their lack of accuracy in their finishing was again a major problem.
The internal atmosphere, though tense, is still filled with hope. The board is working to protect the squad and maintain focus in the final rounds, with the slogan “believe until the end.”
The Game – Botafogo-SP x Paysandu minute by minute
First half – balance, nervousness and few chances
The start was choppy. Both teams felt the brunt of the head-to-head confrontation and prioritized defensive security. Botafogo-SP had more possession but created little. Paysandu responded with sporadic counterattacks, capitalizing on their opponent’s passing errors.
In the 25th minute, Pantera had a good chance with Robinho, who shot over the bar. In the 33rd minute, Papão responded with Vinícius Leite, who forced a great save from the goalkeeper.
The first half ended 0-0, with the São Paulo team slightly dominating the field but lacking offensive efficiency. The tension in the stands increased with each missed opportunity.
Second half – pressure, intensity and a winning goal
After the break, Botafogo-SP returned with a more aggressive approach. The substitutions gave the team new energy, and they began attacking with greater intensity. Paysandu, sitting back, was betting everything on an opponent’s mistake.
In the 43rd minute, when a draw seemed certain, Ronie Carrillo, in an opportunistic move, took advantage of a rebound in the box and pushed it into the back of the net: 1-0 Botafogo-SP. The stadium erupted in celebration.
In stoppage time, Paysandu continued to press with aerial balls, but were thwarted by Pantera’s solid defense. The victory was confirmed with much suffering and relief.
Statistics – Botafogo-SP x Paysandu in numbers
| Statistic | Botafogo-SP | Paysandu |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 1 | 0 |
| Ball possession | 55% | 45% |
| Total completions | 14 | 9 |
| Finishes on target | 6 | 3 |
| Right passes | 382 | 331 |
| Pass efficiency | 84% | 78% |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
| Fouls committed | 13 | 16 |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 4 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 3 | 5 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.2 | 0.7 |
The numbers show Botafogo-SP’s slight superiority in terms of play volume and efficiency. Paysandu created good chances, but failed to finish and showed physical weakness in the final minutes.
Tactical analysis – balance, intensity and the detail that decided it
Botafogo -SP was more balanced tactically. They managed to keep their lines close, applied intense pressure, and dominated the action in the final 20 minutes. The coach adopted a high defense and used the full-backs as an offensive outlet.
Paysandu , despite being disciplined, lacked quick transitions and attacking power. Garcez’s first-half injury derailed the initial plan. The team relied on crosses, but lacked presence in the box.
The difference was in the details: while Botafogo-SP believed until the end, Paysandu gave up space at a crucial moment and paid dearly.
Repercussion – relief for São Paulo and drama for Pará
In the locker room, Botafogo-SP celebrated intensely. The coach praised the team’s dedication and commitment. The fans applauded, and the victory brought renewed energy for the final stretch of Série B.
On Paysandu’s side, the mood was dejected. Coach Márcio Fernandes lamented the pitch and acknowledged that staying in Série B had become even more difficult. Players left the field with their heads down and were cheered on by the fans.
Internally, the club is planning meetings to define emergency measures — including changes to the physical and mental preparation of the squad.
Conclusion – Botafogo-SP is reborn, Paysandu sinks
The Botafogo-SP vs. Paysandu match was a true reflection of the fight for survival in Série B. The Pantera won with determination, despite lacking technical brilliance, and is now breathing down the drain. Papão, on the other hand, suffered its 16th defeat and remains at the bottom of the table, with increasingly slim chances of escaping.
Botafogo-SP should use this victory as fuel to build a positive streak in the coming rounds. Paysandu, on the other hand, needs to react immediately—any further setback could seal their relegation.
FAQs – Botafogo-SP x Paysandu
1. What was the final score of the Botafogo-SP vs. Paysandu match?
Botafogo-SP beat Paysandu 1-0, with a goal from Ronie Carrillo in the 43rd minute of the second half.
2. Where was the match played?
The match took place at the Santa Cruz Stadium / Nicnet Arena in Ribeirão Preto.
3. How did the teams perform?
Botafogo-SP had more possession and offensive volume, while Paysandu relied on counterattacks and ended up being punished late on.
4. Who was the star of the game?
Ronie Carrillo was the hero of the night, scoring the winning goal and securing all three points.
5. What’s Paysandu’s position in the standings?
With the loss, Paysandu remains at the bottom of Série B and sees its chances of staying up ever closer.
6. What was Paysandu’s main problem in the match?
The lack of attacking precision, Garcez’s injury, and the drop in physical intensity in the final stretch.
7. How many home wins has Botafogo-SP had?
This was Botafogo-SP’s 6th home win in the 2025 Série B.
8. What’s Botafogo-SP’s next game?
The team faces Vila Nova away from home, in a head-to-head battle for survival.
