América-MG vs Botafogo Prediction: The Lone Star shines again

After losing its coach Bruno Lage, 11 points out of a possible 12, and half the points lead over its opponents, leader Botafogo has returned to winning ways. This dark, dull, and lackluster period for the Cariocas alarmed their fans, excited their rivals, and raised doubts among the analysts. Beating Fluminense at the Maracanã after its rival had qualified for the Copa Libertadores final showed that the dominant and confident Botafogo was back, and the Lone Star was shining again. In this match of Round 27, the extremes of the table are touching, and against América-MG, the last-placed team in the Série A, expect a leader who will take control of the game and try to settle the match quickly.

Despite a magnificent start to the game in Fortaleza, the Rabbit ended up losing once again. Two goals from Mastriani in the 18th and 23rd minutes gave the Mineiros a surprising lead, and they seemed determined to take three points in their fight against relegation. However, the home team, motivated by its crowd and having qualified for the final of the Copa Sudamericana for the first time, managed to turn things around. Ten points separate América from 16th place, first above the relegation zone. Few believe that América-MG can steal points from Botafogo. It remains to be seen whether the Mineiros themselves believe it.

Júnior Santos and Tiquinho Soares scored the winning goals in the Clássico Vôvô and drove the Fogão fans crazy at the Maracanã. Fluminense never managed to break down the defense set up by Lúcio Flávio, Botafogo's new coach, who returned to the scheme and dynamics of Luís Castro, the first coach of the season. The players never took well to the changes Bruno Lage tried to implement, as the team was in first place when Castro left for Al-Nassr. Marçal, the captain, said at the end of the game that the team "played simple again." The Glorioso increased its lead over second-placed RB Bragantino to nine points.

A curious fact that makes the match more interesting is that Botafogo has never beaten América in its ten meetings away from home in the Brasileirão. Botafogo has already broken several records this year, so it won't be because of tradition that the leader won't win. I'm betting on Botafogo to triumph, as I believe the last victory was liberating for the players.