The Davide Ancelotti effect is undeniable. Since the 36-year-old coach – son of Carlo Ancelotti, the new Brazil national team manager – took charge of Botafogo, the Rio de Janeiro side have shut up shop defensively and started racking up crucial points. His debut brought a 2-0 away win at Vasco da Gama, with goals from former Fiorentina striker Arthur Cabral and Nathan Fernandes.
A goalless draw followed at home against Vitoria, but Botafogo dominated, firing 23 shots (8 on target) and hitting the woodwork twice. The third game saw late drama: a 91st-minute winner from Cuiabano sealed a 1-0 victory over Sport Recife away from home.
Now, Corinthians come to the Estádio Nilton Santos in Rio on Saturday 26 July (kick-off 23:30 CET). Dorival Junior’s side – led by Brazil’s former coach between January 2024 and March 2025 – have won just one of their last seven matches (4 draws and 2 defeats), adding extra pressure to the fixture.
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Botafogo, eliminated in the Club World Cup round of 16 by Palmeiras, have rediscovered their stride and currently sit fifth in the table with 25 points, only four behind third-placed Palmeiras. For Corinthians, the picture is far bleaker: just six points clear of the relegation zone, they desperately need results to avoid slipping further into trouble.
For Botafogo and their fans, Saturday could mark another milestone: Davide Ancelotti’s first home victory.
