Overview

• Kickoff is Saturday at 18:30 at Estádio Nilton Santos for the 24th round of the Brasileirão, a rematch of last year’s continental final.
• Botafogo enters on a three‑game winless run, sits fifth with 36 points, and reinforced security at CT Espaço Lonier after a 3–3 collapse against Mirassol.
• Atlético‑MG seeks a first win under Jorge Sampaoli after five matches without victory, is 13th on 25 points near the drop zone, and drew 2–2 with Bolívar in the Sul‑Americana quarterfinal first leg.
• Selection issues shape both lineups: Botafogo monitors Danilo’s fitness and carries a lengthy injury list, while Atlético loses Tomás Cuello to a serious ankle fracture, has Junior Alonso available, expects Hulk to start, and will be without the suspended Alexsander.
• The squads look very different from the 2024 final, and former Botafogo hero Júnior Santos is now a criticized reserve at Atlético after an $8 million move.