Draws, Cup Exit and Comebacks Raise Pressure on Brazilian Coaches

Overview

• Botafogo and Fluminense drew 1-1 at Estádio Nilton Santos on Saturday after Alex Telles scored a free kick and defender Ignácio headed an equalizer, with substitute Marçal shown a late red card that will sideline him for the next league match.
• Botafogo coach Franclim Carvalho publicly accepted responsibility for a passive start to the second half and called for more aggression, saying tactical choices cost his team momentum and a chance to climb the table.
• Fluminense’s point did not end a poor run; the club has gone six matches since the World Cup with five draws and one loss, leaving coach Luis Zubeldía under sustained scrutiny ahead of Libertadores duties.
• Corinthians were eliminated from the Copa do Brasil on a 3-2 aggregate despite a 2-1 home win over Internacional, a result that cost them a R$4 million prize route to the Libertadores and drew praise from Fernando Diniz for Pedro Raul’s performance.
• Grêmio’s 2-1 comeback over São Paulo briefly lifted them out of the relegation zone while Ponte Preta remains in deep Série B trouble, enduring a 14-game winless streak, delayed wages and transfer bans that limit reinforcements.