Brasileirão Matchday 38 and Season Roundup

A thrilling Brasileirão season has come to an end in Matchday 38, crowning Botafogo as champions after a 29-year drought. They secured their third league title, capping off a remarkable year that also included winning the Copa Libertadores just days ago.

O Fogo controlled its destiny and delivered a dramatic 2-1 victory over São Paulo, sealed by Gregore’s goal in the 90+2 minute. Palmeiras, the only team capable of stealing the title, fell at home to Fluminense 0-1, courtesy of a Kevin Serna goal. With that win, the Flu not only escaped relegation but also secured a spot in the Copa Sudamericana.

Regarding relegation, Athletico Paranaense became the last team to join the group of four heading to Série B in 2025, alongside Cuiabá, Atlético Goianiense, and Criciúma. They lost 1-0 to Atlético Mineiro in the Matchday 38. Santos, Mirassol, Sport Recife, and Ceará will take their places in Série A next season.

As for international competitions, alongside Botafogo and Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fortaleza, Internacional, and São Paulo have qualified for the Copa Libertadores, with Corinthians and Bahia heading to the preliminary round.

The Copa Sudamericana spots went to Cruzeiro, Vasco, Vitória, Atlético Mineiro, Fluminense, and Grêmio, while Juventude and Red Bull Bragantino finished the season without anything, but at least in the first division.

In the race for the Golden Boot, Yuri Alberto and Alerrandro finished tied as top scorers with 15 goals each. The Corinthians striker scored in nine consecutive matches, tallying 11 goals during that span, whileVitória’s forward scored in his last four matches, netting 12 goals in his last 14 games. Alerrandro’s stunning bicycle kick against Cruzeiro was named the goal of the tournament.

Luiz Henrique, the 23-year-old Botafogo midfielder signed this year for €16 million from Betis, was named the Best Player of the Brasileirão 2024. He featured in 35 matches, starting 33, scoring seven goals, and providing three assists.

Other awards included Estêvão as Revelation of the Year, Botafogo as the team with the fewest goals conceded, and their goalkeeper, John Victor, named Best Goalkeeper. Flamengo claimed the honor of the most goals scored, with 61.

Argentine midfielder Rodrigo Garro led the league in assists with ten, helping Corinthians claim both the top scorer and top assister titles. Estêvão stood out as the player with the most combined goals and assists, tallying 22, ahead of Corinthians’ stars, each with 20, and Alerrandro, who finished with 19.

Matchday 38 Results

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Brasileirão Matchday 38: Fortaleza 3-0 Internacional

Fortaleza secured fourth place in the Brasileirão and preserved their unbeaten home record with a 3-0 victory over Internacional.

A quick brace from Moisés within 20 minutes set the tone for the Tricolor win. The first goal came after a major error by goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, leaving the midfielder alone in front of an empty net. The second was the result of an impressive solo effort and a brilliant finish.

The 3-0 scoreline was sealed in the 53rd minute with a header from Tinga, cementing Fortaleza’s tally at 68 points. At home, they achieved 14 wins, five draws, and zero losses, marking an outstanding campaign for the club. Internacional, meanwhile, finished in fifth place with 65 points.

Brasileirão Matchday 38: Flamengo 2-2 Vitória

Vitória concluded a strong tournament with a 2-2 draw against Flamengo, who finished third in the Brasileirão and struggled significantly after Pedro’s injury in early September.

The Bahian side struck first with a goal from top scorer Alerrandro, who reached 15 goals and shared the tournament’s Golden Boot with Yuri Alberto.

Before the hour mark, the Mengão equalized through a goal by Gabigol. However, in the 74th minute, Janderson created a brilliant solo play, unleashing a long-range shot to put Vitória back in the lead.

The joy was short-lived, as five minutes later, Ayrton Lucas netted an equally impressive goal, driving into the box after a one-two with Erick Pulgar.

With this 2-2 draw, Flamengo ended the season in third place with 70 points, while Vitória secured 11th place with 47 units, earning a spot in the upcoming Copa Sudamericana.

Brasileirão Matchday 38: Botafogo 2-1 São Paulo

Botafogo only needed a win to clinch the championship, and they delivered, defeating São Paulo 2-1 to secure their third league title and first since 1995.

The opening goal came courtesy of Venezuelan Jefferson Savarino, who had already been a hero a few days earlier against Internacional. The midfielder capitalized on a defensive mistake and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Jandrei to make it 1-0.

Another defensive error, now made by the Fogão, allowed William Gomes to equalize for the Tricolor in the 63rd minute. However, a poor pass from Jandrei was intercepted by Gregore, who struck the decisive goal to make it 2-1 in the stoppage time, ensuring Botafogo’s championship.

With 79 points, the Cariocas finished six points ahead of Palmeiras. Meanwhile, São Paulo secured sixth place and qualified for the Copa Libertadores.

Brasileirão Matchday 38: Palmeiras 0-1 Fluminense

Palmeiras needed a win and a Botafogo loss, but neither happened. Fluminense defeated them 0-1, securing their survival from relegation.

The match’s only goal came in the 37th minute from Colombian Kevin Serna, who fought for the ball, made an impressive individual play, and delivered a precise finish. This allowed the Flu to reach 46 points, not only avoiding relegation but also earning a spot in the next Copa Sudamericana.

The Verdão, champion of the last two Brasileirão seasons, ended as runner-up.