On December 11, 2024, Botafogo faced C.F. Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar. The match concluded with a 3-0 victory for Pachuca, marking a significant upset over the Copa Libertadores champions.
Botafogo vs. C.F. Pachuca: A Detailed Timeline and Match Analysis
Pre-Match Build-Up
The FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 saw an exciting clash between Botafogo, the Copa Libertadores champions, and C.F. Pachuca, the CONCACAF Champions League winners. The match was played at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, on December 11, 2024.
Botafogo’s Road to the Final
- Botafogo came into the match after a long and exhausting season, having recently won the Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores.
- They had little time to rest, traveling extensively in the weeks leading up to the tournament.
- Key players, including Tiquinho Soares and Marçal, were either fatigued or carrying minor injuries.
Pachuca’s Preparation
- Pachuca, in contrast, had ample time to prepare after being eliminated early in the Mexican league playoffs.
- Their squad was fully fit, and their coach, Guillermo Almada, devised a counter-attacking strategy to exploit Botafogo’s tired legs.
Match Timeline: First Half
Kickoff – 0′
- The match began with Botafogo dominating possession, trying to control the tempo.
- Pachuca stayed compact in defense, looking for counter-attacking opportunities.
10′ – Early Chance for Botafogo
- Tiquinho Soares fired a shot from the edge of the box, but Pachuca’s goalkeeper, Carlos Moreno, made a comfortable save.
18′ – Pachuca’s First Big Chance
- A quick counter-attack saw Salomón Rondón break through Botafogo’s defense, but his shot was blocked by Adryelson.
30′ – Midfield Battle Intensifies
- Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances.
- Botafogo’s Eduardo controlled possession, while Pachuca’s Pedro Pedraza dictated play for his side.
40′ – Pachuca Hits the Post!
- Nelson Deossa unleashed a powerful strike that hit the woodwork, nearly giving Pachuca the lead.
Halftime – 0-0
- The first half ended goalless, with Botafogo having 60% possession but failing to create dangerous scoring opportunities.
- Pachuca looked more threatening on the counter.
Match Timeline: Second Half
50′ – GOAL! Pachuca Takes the Lead (1-0)
- Oussama Idrissi capitalized on a defensive error and scored with a clinical finish into the bottom left corner.
55′ – Botafogo Tries to Respond
- Botafogo increased their attacking intensity, with Luis Henrique attempting a long-range shot that went just wide.
66′ – GOAL! Pachuca Doubles Their Lead (2-0)
- Nelson Deossa finished off a brilliant team move, curling the ball past the goalkeeper from a tight angle.
72′ – Substitutions for Botafogo
- Matías Segovia and Diego Hernández came on to add fresh legs in attack.
80′ – GOAL! Pachuca Seals the Victory (3-0)
- Salomón Rondón finished off another swift counter-attack, assisted by Idrissi.
85′ – Botafogo’s Last Effort
- Tiquinho Soares had a shot saved, summing up Botafogo’s frustrating night.
Full-Time: C.F. Pachuca 3-0 Botafogo
- Pachuca advanced to the next round with a dominant performance.
- Botafogo’s fatigue and defensive lapses played a significant role in their defeat.
Post-Match Reactions
Coach Reactions
- Artur Jorge (Botafogo Coach):
- “We had a difficult schedule leading up to this match. Pachuca deserved the win today.”
- Guillermo Almada (Pachuca Coach):
- “Our strategy worked perfectly. The players executed the plan with discipline and precision.”
Player Reactions
- Oussama Idrissi (Pachuca):
- “Scoring in an important match like this is a dream. We are ready for the next challenge.”
- Tiquinho Soares (Botafogo):
- “We gave everything, but Pachuca was more prepared. We will come back stronger.”
Key Takeaways
- Pachuca’s Tactical Superiority
- Their defensive organization and counter-attacking approach neutralized Botafogo’s possession-based style.
- Botafogo’s Fatigue
- The team’s hectic schedule left them exhausted, making it difficult to maintain high-intensity play.
- Clinical Finishing by Pachuca
- Pachuca converted their three best chances, while Botafogo struggled to create meaningful goal-scoring opportunities.
Looking Ahead
- Pachuca advances to face Al-Ahly in the semifinals.
- Botafogo returns home to regroup before the new season.
This match showcased the importance of preparation, tactical discipline, and squad fitness in high-level international competitions.
Pre-Match Context
Botafogo entered the tournament after a demanding schedule, having recently secured both the Copa Libertadores and the Brasileirao titles. The team’s rigorous itinerary and limited rest period contributed to fatigue and the absence of key players. In contrast, Pachuca had ample time to prepare, as their early exit from the national league allowed them to focus solely on the Intercontinental Cup.
Match Overview
The game commenced with Botafogo maintaining possession and creating early opportunities. However, Pachuca’s disciplined defense thwarted these attempts, setting the stage for their counter-attacking strategy.
Key Moments
- 50th Minute: Oussama Idrissi opened the scoring for Pachuca with a right-footed shot from the center of the box, finding the bottom left corner.
- 66th Minute: Nelson Deossa doubled the lead, capitalizing on a pass from Pedro Pedraza to score from a tight angle on the left.
- 80th Minute: Salomón Rondón sealed the victory with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Idrissi during a swift counter-attack.
Post-Match Reactions
Botafogo’s coach, Artur Jorge, acknowledged the challenges posed by the team’s congested schedule and extensive travel, conceding that Pachuca was the superior side on the day.
Pachuca’s comprehensive victory propelled them into the semifinals, where they were set to face Egypt’s Al-Ahly for a chance to compete against Real Madrid in the final.
This match highlighted the impact of preparation and scheduling on team performance, with Pachuca’s strategic planning and execution leading to their decisive win over a fatigued Botafogo side.
