Today, July 20, 2024, Botafogo took on Internacional in a match valid for the eighteenth round of the Brazilian league.
The game played at Botafogo’s home stadium, the Nilton Santos, was a very contested affair, with both teams needing the win.
Botafogo needed the victory to solidify their spot as the league leader, while Internacional wanted the 3 points to help them move further away from the relegation zone.
The match began at 2:30 PM (PDT) and was broadcast live and free for all American territories on Botafogo’s YouTube channel, Botafogo TV.
Internacional entered the match with a 4-1-3-2 formation, with Roger Machado making his debut as head coach for the “Colorado.”
The defense for Internacional consisted of Renê and Igor Gomes on the flanks, and Robert Renan and Gabriel Mercado in the center.
In goal for the “Colorado” was Uruguayan international and Copa América bronze medal-winning goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.
The Internacional midfield was composed of Romulo, Wesley, Bruno Gomes, and Bruno Henrique.
Up top for the team from Rio Grande do Sul were the deadly duo Lucas Alario and Rafael Borré.
Botafogo, on the other hand, used a very traditional 4-2-4 formation, favored by their coach, the Portuguese Arthur Jorge.
This very offensive formation saw Igor Jesus, Júnior Santos, Jefferson Savarino, and Luiz Henrique up front, while the midfield duo consisted of Tchê Tchê and Danilo Barbosa.
The defensive line was made up of Angolan Bastos and Barboza in the center, with Damián Suárez and Cuiabano on the sides.
In goal for the “Glorious” was John Victor.
The game played out as expected, with both teams fighting hard and the match being very congested, with not many clear chances for either side.
The deciding moment of the game came 34 minutes into the first half when Luiz Henrique put in a strong left-footed shot into the bottom left corner, leaving no chance for Sergio Rochet.
This moment of magic by Luiz Henrique came at the perfect time, as the goal was everything Botafogo needed to gain control of the match.
However, this was not the first time that Luiz Henrique has decided a game for Botafogo this season.
The 23-year-old joined Botafogo at the start of the season in a record-breaking transfer, which was estimated to be around 17.5 million euros, making it the second-largest transfer fee in Brazilian history.
Since joining Botafogo, Luiz Henrique has played a total of 17 games, 16 of those as a starter, and he has scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists.
Although six goal participations in 17 games isn’t otherworldly at its surface level, what has set Luiz Henrique apart is his ability to perform in crucial moments.
Today’s game-winning goal against Internacional is just one of many vital contributions by Luiz Henrique this season.
For instance, in Botafogo’s last game against Palmeiras, Luiz Henrique provided Tiquinho Soares with a key assist, which resulted in the only goal of the match and brought Botafogo a very important 3 points.
Another vital moment for Botafogo this season was their momentous away win against rivals Flamengo. In that game, played at the historic Maracanã Stadium, Luiz Henrique scored the first goal in Botafogo’s 2-0 win.
Furthermore, in Botafogo’s clash against Atlético Mineiro, Luiz Henrique not only scored the game’s opening goal but also caused an opponent to get a red card.
These three games against Atlético, Flamengo, and Palmeiras were without a doubt the hardest and the most important games Botafogo has played so far, and all were decided by Luiz Henrique, highlighting just how pivotal a player he is.
With a contract running until December 31, 2028, it’s difficult to imagine he will be at Botafogo for the entirety of his contract, as a player of his caliber would easily have a spot in most of Europe’s big clubs.
Thanks to Luiz Henrique’s heroics in the last few games, Botafogo now sits at the top of the standings.
With 39 points from 18 matches, no one will catch up to Botafogo this round, and with their next match being an away game against São Paulo, it’s expected that the “Glorious” will fight tooth and nail to keep their winning streak going.
The “Colorado,” on the other hand, won’t be leaving Rio de Janeiro too happy.
Due to intense flooding that occurred in their home state earlier this year, Internacional is a few games behind, and with today’s loss, they will remain with 19 points from 14 matches played.
Internacional’s next game will be a home match against Rosario Central, valid for the Copa Sudamericana, while their next Brazilian league match will be against Fortaleza on the 24th of this month.
Botafogo’s narrow win today against Internacional is another one to be credited to Luiz Henrique, and with big games coming up for the “Glorious,” it’s essential that Luiz keeps his consistent performances.
