Botafogo vs. Athletico Paranaense – News and Probable Lineups

Botafogo is aiming to bounce back to winning form as they host Athletico Paranaense at the Estadio Nilton Santos on Monday for round 24 of the 2026 Brasileiro.

The home side seeks a strong response in front of their fans, while Athletico-PR visits in strong shape and hopes to secure another three points away from home.

Match overview

On Monday, Botafogo enters the pitch eager for a reaction. Currently sitting 11th in the Brasilian Championship with 30 points, the team has recorded eight victories, six draws, and eight losses, and is looking to recover from two consecutive defeats. At home, they have managed to earn 16 points out of a possible 30, achieving four wins, four draws, and two losses, while netting 18 goals and conceding 14.

The forward line has been the team’s biggest concern. In their last five outings, Botafogo has managed to score just four goals, with their top striker Arthur Cabral sitting on nine goals for the season but experiencing a nine-match goal drought. After receiving a red card against Vitoria, he will be unavailable for this match.

Consequently, the club’s management is making changes to their attack. Botafogo has reached an agreement with Dinamo Moscow to transfer Matheus Martins for £6m, although the player is still discussing his salary and has proposed a counteroffer. He remains eligible to play against Athletico.

Rodrigo Bellao, who has been serving as interim coach following the departure of the Portuguese manager, will lead the team again. After being knocked out by Cienciano in the Sudamericana, the Brasileirao has now become the club’s primary focus for the season. In the transfer market, Santi Rodriguez is nearing a deal with Columbus Crew, while Tiquinho Soares is being considered as a potential new signing.

In contrast, Athletico-PR finds themselves in a much different scenario. With 41 points, the Furacao occupies the third spot and holds a direct qualification place for the Libertadores. Recently promoted from Serie B, they have achieved 12 wins, five draws, and six losses.

Their impressive form is shown by their current eight-match unbeaten streak, which includes five wins and three draws. Their last loss occurred in May against Vasco in Rio de Janeiro, and since then, Athletico have become even stronger as away contenders.

In their past four away matches, the Furacao have secured three victories and one draw. In their latest away fixture, they triumphed 2-0 over Santos at Vila Belmiro, a result which has bolstered the team’s confidence ahead of their clash at Nilton Santos.

Behind the scenes, Athletico is also in discussions about extending the contract of head coach Odair Hellmann, which is due to expire in December 2026. He joined the team in 2025 when they were still in Serie B and continues to be involved in planning for the future, including 2027.

Team News

Interim coach Rodrigo Bellao will be without five players for the encounter against Athletico-PR on Monday. Centre-back Kaio Pantaleao is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, left-back Paulinho is healing from a thigh injury, attacking midfielder Jordânia Barrera has an ankle concern, and goalkeeper Warleson is dealing with a head injury. Additionally, Arthur Cabral is unavailable due to a suspension following his red card in the previous game.

Bellao is also cautious about the many players who are one booking away from a suspension. Nahuel Ferraresi, Junior Santos, Gabriel Justino, Kadir, Lucas Villalba, and Edenilson are all in such a situation.

Head coach Odair Hellmann welcomes back centre-back Teran to the squad. Goalkeeper Santos, who missed two training sessions due to knee pain, has returned to regular training and will be evaluated up until Sunday, when the team travels to Rio de Janeiro. He is anticipated to be fit for the match at Nilton Santos.

The confirmed absentees include left-backs Esquivel, who is managing a significant ankle injury, and Claudinho, who has sustained a thigh muscle injury. In defence, Odair Hellmann may choose to start Teran instead of Benavidez or maintain the same defensive line featuring Aguirre and Arthur Dias. Felipinho, Joao Cruz, Jadson, and Gaston Benavidez are also one yellow card away from suspension.

Botafogo probable starting XI:

Gabriel Batista; Vitinho, Ferraresi, Justino and Alex Telles; Huguinho, Medina, Matheus Martins, Montoro and Danilo Santos; Danilo Pereira. Coach: Rodrigo Bellao (interim).

Athletico Paranaense probable starting XI:

Saints; Benavidez (Teran), Aguirre and Arthur Dias; Jadson, Luiz Gustavo, Gilberto, Mendoza, Leozinho and Joao Cruz; We will live. Coach: Odair Hellmann.

Athletico-PR enters the match as the favorites after a strong season and an unbeaten run of eight matches in the Brasileiro, along with allowing only two goals in their last five league fixtures indicating another solid defensive performance.

Botafogo faces mounting pressure following their elimination from the Copa Sudamericana and has struggled offensively, managing just four goals in their recent five league games, while the suspension of Arthur Cabral further dials down their attacking options.