Botafogo is poised to hand Neto his first start of the Copa do Brasil campaign when the Rio de Janeiro side travels to face Chapecoense in the second leg of their round of 16 tie, with veteran defenders Bastos and Allan pushing for recalls after injury layoffs.
The potential lineup shift comes as Botafogo looks to protect a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Estádio Nilton Santos, where Luiz Henrique’s early goal secured a narrow lead ahead of the return fixture in Santa Catarina. Head coach Carlos Leiria, who has overseen a resurgence in form since taking charge in April, faces selection dilemmas that could shape the club’s path toward a historic double.
According to verified team sources and training ground observations, Neto is expected to retain his place in midfield alongside Marlon Freitas and Jeffinho, providing the defensive shield that allowed Botafogo to dominate possession in the first encounter. The 25-year-old, who joined from Fluminense in January, has made 18 appearances across all competitions this season, logging 1,200 minutes and contributing two assists.
More significantly, Bastos and Allan — both absent from the first leg due to muscular issues — are nearing full fitness and could feature off the bench or even push for starting roles. Bastos, the 32-year-old Portuguese center-back who returned to Botafogo in 2023 after spells in Italy and Russia, has played 12 matches this season, accumulating 950 minutes and scoring once. Allan, the 26-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder, has featured in 15 games, logging 1,100 minutes with one goal and three assists.
Their potential return would bolster a backline that has conceded just four goals in Botafogo’s last six matches across all competitions, a stark improvement from the early-season frailties that saw the club leak 15 goals in its first 10 fixtures. Leiria has emphasized defensive compactness as a cornerstone of his tactical approach, often deploying a 4-2-3-1 shape that relies on disciplined positioning from the double pivot.
Chapecoense, meanwhile, faces an uphill task to overturn the deficit, having scored just once in their last five away matches in the Copa do Brasil. The club, which won the tournament in 2020, has struggled for consistency this season, sitting 18th in Série B with 22 points from 20 games. Their last victory came against Brusque on May 18, ending a three-match winless run.
Historically, Botafogo holds the edge in this fixture, having won three of the last five meetings, including a 2-0 victory at Arena Condá in October 2023. That match saw Tiquinho Soares score twice, though the striker is unavailable for this tie due to suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in the competition.
The absence of Tiquinho places added responsibility on Luiz Henrique, who scored the lone goal in the first leg, and newcomer Kevin Serna, who has impressed since his arrival from Atlético Nacional in February. Serna has started seven games, logging 520 minutes and contributing one goal and two assists, showcasing the pace and directness that Leiria seeks to exploit on the counter.
From a tactical standpoint, Botafogo’s ability to control tempo through Marlon Freitas’ distribution will be key. The 23-year-old midfielder, a product of the club’s academy, has completed 84% of his passes this season with an average of 52 per game, ranking among the top passers in Série A. His partnership with Neto — who averages 3.1 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per match — has provided the platform for Botafogo’s attacking players to thrive.
Leiria’s side has also improved in set-piece situations, scoring four goals from dead-ball situations in their last eight matches, up from just one in the first ten games of the season. Bastos, aerially strong and experienced in defending crosses, would add a valuable dimension should he be called upon.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 BRT (23:00 UTC) on Thursday, June 27, at Arena Condá in Chapecó, Santa Catarina. The venue, which holds approximately 20,000 spectators, has hosted Chapecoense’s home matches since 2009 and is known for its intense atmosphere, particularly in knockout matches.
Officials have confirmed that the game will be officiated by Raphael Claus, a FIFA-listed referee who has overseen 45 Série A matches this season, issuing an average of 4.2 yellow cards per game. Claus has not refereed a Botafogo match since February, when he managed their 1-1 draw with Palmeiras.
For Botafogo, progression to the quarterfinals would mark their deepest run in the Copa do Brasil since 2021, when they reached the semifinals before losing to Atlético Mineiro on away goals. A victory would also bolster their confidence ahead of a crucial Série A clash with Flamengo on July 1, a match that could significantly influence the title race.
Chapecoense, fighting to avoid relegation from Série B, will view the tie as a potential catalyst for a turnaround. Advancing would not only provide a financial boost but also inject much-needed belief into a squad that has won just four of its last 12 league matches.
As both clubs prepare for what promises to be a tense encounter, the availability of Bastos and Allan could prove decisive. Their experience and leadership — particularly in high-pressure moments — align with Botafogo’s broader ambition to conclude a 28-year wait for a major trophy. The club last won the Copa do Brasil in 1993, a fact not lost on supporters who have endured decades of near-misses.
With the tie delicately poised, the next 90 minutes at Arena Condá may well determine whether Botafogo’s recent resurgence translates into tangible silverware — or whether Chapecoense can summon the resilience to maintain their season alive.
Botafogo’s next match is scheduled for July 1 against Flamengo at Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro, kickoff at 16:00 BRT (19:00 UTC). Fans can follow live updates via the club’s official website and social media channels.
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