Brasileirão Matchday 31 Roundup

An important weekend in the Brasileirão for matchday 31 saw Botafogo emerge as the big winner, extending its lead at the top after the two closest challengers, Palmeiras and Fortaleza, drew.

The Fogão defeated Red Bull away, potentially pushing Bragantino into the relegation zone if Corinthians beats Cuiabá, while Juventude also entered the red zone after their loss to Flamengo.

Meanwhile, Athletico Paranaense managed to climb out of the relegation zone following a decisive 3-0 victory over Cruzeiro.

Matchday 31 Results

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Brasileirão Matchday 31: Flamengo 4-2 Juventude

Flamengo is still not ready to give up on the Brasileirão title race and secured a 4-2 victory over Juventude, keeping itself in contention.

The Mengão started strong and took the lead at eight minutes with a shot from Michael, following a brilliant save by Gabriel Vasconcelos, one of the standout players of the night. However, at 24 minutes, after a Flamengo attack, Juventude quickly countered, with João Lucas setting up Gilberto, who advanced and scored skillfully against Agustín Rossi.

The first half ended tied, but in the second part, Flamengo quickly regained the lead with a penalty converted by Gabriel Barbosa, who scored again after three months. Five minutes later, Giorgian De Arrascaeta extended the lead with a shot from the edge of the area.

At 70’, Edson Carioca narrowed the gap with a shot inside the box, but at 75’, midfielder Nenê, who had come on just three minutes earlier, got into an argument with the referee and received two yellow cards in seconds, leaving his team down a man.

Flamengo then took more control of the ball, and in stoppage time, Ecuadorian Gonzalo Plata sealed the score. Filipe Luis’s team is now ten points behind Botafogo with a game in hand. Meanwhile, Juventude, who have gone five matches without a win, fell into the relegation zone with 34 points.

Brasileirão Matchday 31: Palmeiras 2-2 Fortaleza

Palmeiras and Fortaleza ended up with the worst possible result: a draw. The 2-2 outcome distanced both teams from the title race, now sitting three and seven points behind Botafogo, respectively.

The Verdão pushed harder throughout the match but only managed to score through penalties. First, at 29 minutes, Raphael Veiga converted from the spot, but ten minutes later, Hércules responded with a stunning strike from outside the box.

In the second half, at 57,’ Estêvão put Palmeiras back in the lead. But five minutes later, Moisés found a loose ball in the area and slotted it to the side to level the score once again.

Palmeiras kept trying but lacked effectiveness, facing a strong João Ricardo, who made some crucial saves.

Brasileirão Matchday 31: RB Bragantino 0-1 Botafogo

Botafogo achieved a crucial result in their title ambitions by defeating Red Bull Bragantino 0-1 away.

The Fogaõ was the dominant side, holding 62% possession, taking 19 shots, and even hitting the post. Botafogo tried everything, but only in the 86th minute did Gregore appear with a header to secure the win and extend their lead over Palmeiras to three points.

On the other hand, Bragantino is now winless in seven games and sits in 16th place with 34 points, the same as Juventude, who is in 17th and the relegation zone. Additionally, Corinthians, in 18th with 32 points, will play Cuiabá this Monday. A win for them could push Red Bull into the dangerous zone.

Brasileirão Matchday 31: Atlético Mineiro 1-3 Internacional

Internacional took advantage of Atlético Mineiro’s situation to defeat them 1-3 as visitors, bringing them closer to their goal of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores.

Mineiro, who will play the second leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinals against River Plate in Argentina this week, fielded mostly substitutes, which proved to be a key factor. The goals came at the end of the first half, with Alan Patrick scoring a penalty in the 38th minute, followed by Alexandro Bernabei’s left-footed shot two minutes later to make it 0-2. Eduardo Vargas scored for the home club with a penalty in stoppage time.

In the second half, under heavy rain and poor field conditions, Bruno Tabata found the net in the 88th minute, sealing the 1-3 final in favor of the Colorado.

With this result, Internacional climbs to fifth place in the Brasileirão with 52 points and a game in hand, while Mineiro sits in ninth with 41 points in the Copa Sudamericana zone.