Palmeiras vs Botafogo
Stadium: Allianz Parque
30.03.2025, 22:00
After some unforgettable duels in recent years, the last two Brazilian champions will meet in the opening round. Botafogo is the trophy holder but is not the main favorite to end the league in first place, having lost coach Artur Jorge and several key players. The Paulistas, on the other hand, finished second and have invested heavily to regain the title they lost to their great rivals of the last two seasons.
Get Your Welcome Bonus!Palmeiras
The Verdão was the Série A club that spent the most money on transfers this season. Vitor Roque, Paulinho, Torres, Martínez, Micael, and Evangelista reinforced a squad already packed with talent. The sales of Endrick to Real Madrid, Vitor Reis to Manchester City, Luis Guilherme to West Ham, and Estêvão to Chelsea filled the club's safe. Estêvão will only move to London after the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 this summer, so he can still help his teammates for 12 rounds. Abel Ferreira still has to improve the chemistry between the players, as Palmeiras lost the Campeonato Paulista final to rival Corinthians without scoring a goal in either leg. The fans demand the title, and beating the champion in the first match would start the long journey on the right foot.
Botafogo
The Cariocas enjoyed the most glorious season in their history, combining an unprecedented Copa Libertadores victory with a Brazilian championship title they had been chasing for 29 years. It would be unlikely to repeat the resounding success of 2024 this year, as the dream that fueled the players during the past season came true, and the departure of the team's commander was a blow. Luiz Henrique, Thiago Almada, and Júnior Santos, all attacking players, have also left and will be sorely missed. Santiago Rodríguez and Artur are the two main signings for this season, but the team doesn't look as strong. The club continues to bet on Portuguese coaches, but Renato Paiva will have a daunting task. The bar is set very high, and Flamengo and Palmeiras appear to have superior squads. Rival Flamengo won the Campeonato Carioca, and Botafogo didn't even qualify for the semi-finals, finishing the regular season in ninth place.
History of Head-to-Heads
Serie A 2025 
Palmeiras
FIFA Club World Cup Final Stage 2025
Botafogo RJ
Serie A 2025
Botafogo RJ
Serie A 2024
Botafogo RJ
Copa Libertadores Final Stage 2024
Botafogo RJ
Expert Betting Tips
Both teams are still searching for their best form, but I think Palmeiras has a better chance of victory. The Paulistas lost a final a few days ago and will want to react. Botafogo is quite different from last season, and it will probably take some time for the group to become solid. I'll bet on the home team to win.
Other predictions
