Botafogo Faces Mirassol in Crucial Brasileirão Clash
Rio de Janeiro – Botafogo will look to halt a troubling slide when they host Mirassol on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Estádio Nilton Santos. The match, kicking off at 7:30 PM Brasília time (7:30 PM UTC-3), is a pivotal encounter for both teams, currently languishing in the relegation zone of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
The pressure is mounting on Botafogo as the club continues its search for a permanent head coach following the dismissal of Martín Anselmi. Rodrigo Bellão, the under-20 coach, is again at the helm for this critical match, tasked with steering the team away from immediate danger. Botafogo is coming off a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Athletico-PR, a result that underscored the team’s current struggles.
Team News and Lineups
Botafogo will be without several key players for the match against Mirassol. Alexander Barboza is serving a suspension, while Danilo is unavailable due to international duty with the Brazilian national team. Injuries continue to plague the squad, with Kaio Pantaleão, Joaquín Correa, and Chris Ramos all sidelined. Allan and Newton, although, have returned to training and are available for selection. Ferraresi is expected to slot into the defense alongside Bastos.
The expected Botafogo lineup is as follows: Raul. Vitinho, Bastos, Ferraresi, and Alex Telles; Edenílson, Cristian Medina and Álvaro Montoro; Santi Rodríguez, Júnior Santos and Matheus Martins.
Mirassol, meanwhile, is similarly desperate for points. They haven’t secured a victory since January 29th and find themselves just behind Botafogo in the league standings. Rafael Guanaes’ side will be without Reinaldo, who is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. However, Eduardo has recovered from injury and is in contention to start. Notably, Mirassol’s squad includes six former Botafogo players: Victor Luis, Daniel Borges, Gabriel Pires, André Luís, and Tiquinho Soares.
Mirassol’s projected starting eleven: Walter; Igor Formiga, João Victor, Willian Machado and Victor Luís; Neto Moura, Aldo Filho and Gabriel Pires; Negueba, Galeano and Tiquinho Soares.
The Stakes
Both Botafogo and Mirassol are in dire need of a positive result. Currently tied on six points, a win for either side would provide a significant boost in their fight to avoid relegation. For Mirassol, a victory could also serve as a morale booster ahead of their upcoming Copa Libertadores debut. The match represents a crucial opportunity for both teams to climb out of the bottom of the table and build momentum.
Match Officials
The match will be officiated by a team led by Wilton Pereira Sampaio (FIFA/GO). Bruno Raphael Pires (FIFA/GO) and Leone Carvalho Rocha (GO) will serve as assistant referees. Emerson Souza Silva (BA) will be the fourth official, with Luiz Flavio de Oliveira (SP) as the inspector and Vidal Cordeiro Lopes (BA) as the assessor. Gilberto Rodrigues Castro Junior (PE) will be in charge of VAR, assisted by Clovis Amaral da Silva (PE) and Rafael Martins Diniz (DF). Pericles Bassols Pegado Cortez (RJ) will serve as the VAR observer, and Carlos Radmes Sousa da Silva (RJ) as the quality manager.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch the match live exclusively on Premiere, Brazil’s pay-per-view service.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the match are available for purchase online at botafogo.com.br/ingresso. Prices range from R$40 to R$100, depending on the seating section. There will be no ticket sales at the stadium on the day of the match.
This match is more than just three points; it’s a test of resolve for two teams battling to avoid the drop. With Botafogo searching for stability under an interim manager and Mirassol looking to break a lengthy winless streak, Wednesday’s encounter promises to be a tense and compelling affair.
Botafogo’s next challenge will be announced following this match, as the club continues its search for a permanent manager. Mirassol will then prepare for their Copa Libertadores debut, a significant milestone for the club.
What are your predictions for the match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
