Curitiba, Brazil – Botafogo will take the field under interim manager Rodrigo Bellão against Athletico-PR on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Arena da Baixada. The match, a rescheduled fixture from the 5th round of the Brasileirão Série A, is set to begin at 7:30 PM UTC (9:30 PM local time in Curitiba).
Bellão has made five changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous match against Red Bull Bragantino. Vitinho and Bastos return to the defense, replacing Mateo Ponte and Ferraresi, who is currently with the Venezuelan national team.
In midfield, Cristian Medina is back in the lineup after serving a suspension, taking the place of Danilo, who is with the Brazilian national team. Edenílson strengthens the defensive midfield, stepping in for the injured Tucu Correa. Up front, Arthur Cabral earns a starting spot, with Júnior Santos beginning the game on the bench.
Botafogo’s starting eleven features Raul in goal; Vitinho, Bastos, Alexander Barboza, and Alex Telles in defense; Edenílson, Cristian Medina, and Álvaro Montoro in midfield; and Santi Rodríguez, Arthur Cabral, and Matheus Martins leading the attack.
The substitutes available for Bellão are Léo Linck; Mateo Ponte, Kadu, Justino, Ythallo, Caio Roque, Wallace Davi, Caio Valle, Jordan Barrera, Nathan Fernandes, Lucas Villalba, and Júnior Santos.
Athletico-PR Maintains Starting XI
Athletico-PR manager Odair Hellmann has opted to field the same starting lineup as their previous match, featuring Santos, Benavidez, Aguirre, Arthur Dias, and Esquivel in defense; Luiz Gustavo, Jadson, and Dudu in midfield; and Mendoza, Viveros, and Julimar up front.
This match arrives at a critical juncture for Botafogo. While the club is navigating uncertainty regarding the future of John Textor and the management of its multi-club network, the team needs to focus on climbing out of the relegation zone in the Brasileirão. The pressure is mounting, and a positive result against Athletico-PR could provide a much-needed boost in morale and confidence.
The situation surrounding Textor is particularly noteworthy. Reports indicate a loss of powers within Eagle Bidco, adding another layer of complexity to the club’s current challenges. The team’s performance on the pitch, takes on added significance as it attempts to navigate this period of instability.
Botafogo’s recent activity in the transfer market suggests a proactive approach to strengthening the squad. The club has been active in securing new players, including the recent acquisition of zagueiro Anthony. Although, translating these signings into positive results on the field remains the primary objective.
Adding to the complexities, Danilo, a key player for Botafogo, is currently with the Brazilian national team and expressed his comfort playing in a more advanced role. His potential impact upon his return will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
The match against Athletico-PR represents an opportunity for Botafogo to demonstrate resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Rodrigo Bellão, as interim manager, will be looking to instill a sense of unity and purpose within the squad, and a strong performance in Curitiba could be a turning point in the season.
Fans can follow live updates and analysis of the match through various sports outlets, including SofaScore and ge.globo. The game is being broadcast live on Premiere.
Following this match, Botafogo will return to Rio de Janeiro to prepare for their next fixture. The team’s schedule and upcoming opponents will be crucial factors as they continue their fight to avoid relegation. The club will undoubtedly be hoping for a positive result in Curitiba to build momentum and confidence heading into the remainder of the season.
