At Estádio Nilton Santos, Botafogo and Santos drew 2-2 in the 30th round of the Brazilian Championship on Sunday (26/10). The match featured the fastest goal of the Série A, scored by Joaquín Correa in just 22 seconds. Botafogo coach Davide Ancelotti praised his team's performance despite injuries in the squad.
The match, played in Rio de Janeiro, started thrillingly for Botafogo. At 22 seconds, Joaquín Correa opened the scoring after a tackle by Danilo, a pass from Jeffinho, and a finish past goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão, marking the fastest goal of the current Brasileirão edition. Santos equalized at the 25th minute, with Souza capitalizing on a cross from Igor Vinícius to beat goalkeeper Newton in the box.
Botafogo regained the lead at the 38th minute of the first half, again through Correa, who combined with Jeffinho and shot into the top corner. In the second half, the home team pressed, but Santos leveled at the 22nd minute via a penalty converted by Álvaro Barreal, after a foul by Vitinho on Souza. The game remained balanced, with no further goals.
In the post-match press conference, coach Davide Ancelotti praised the performance: “A game where in the first half we started very well. We conceded a goal, but kept playing. I think with the ball we managed a good game. We scored the second and had a chance for the third. We started the second half well, until we committed a penalty. After that it got difficult, but the team tried until the end”.
The coach also addressed injuries: “We have many injuries because we have a very heavy schedule, players with a history of important injuries. If you look, players like Danilo, Marçal, Matheus (Martins)… We have players who get hurt, but it happens. We have a very high game rhythm, injuries happen”.
With the result, Botafogo has 47 points and sits sixth, in the Libertadores qualification zone. Santos, with 32 points, remains 16th, just one point above the relegation zone. Botafogo's next match is against Mirassol on Saturday (1/11) at 6pm in São Paulo's interior.