DOHA, QATAR – DECEMBER 11: Salomon Rondon of C.F. Pachuca celebrates scoring their third goal during … [+]
For Botafogo, the most incredible whirlwind of a season has finally come to an end, and their fans and players alike can put the feet up for the holiday period knowing that they are the new champions of both Brazil and South America.
Unfortunately Botafogo finished the season with a 3-0 loss to Pachuca of Mexico at the FIFA 2024 Club World Cup, but that doesn’t take the shine off the unbelievable success they have enjoyed this year.
Pachuca of Mexico currently sit 16th in the Liga MX, which contains just 18 teams. Sure, on paper this looked like an ‘easier’ fixture for a Botafogo side dreaming of a Club World Cup final against Real Madrid, however in hindsight it was always going to be a tough task.
Not to take anything away from an inspired Pachuca victory, of course. However from a Botafogo point of view this was a fixture that simply came at the wrong time, and changes were made from the last starting line-up.
On Sunday Botafogo won the league and completed a famous double. It was their first national triumph since 1995, and yet the squad and fans didn’t get a proper chance to celebrate such an occasion as they had to rush to make it to Qatar for their Wednesday evening fixture against Pachuca.
DOHA, QATAR – DECEMBER 11: Players of Botafogo pose for a photo ahead of FIFA Intercontinental Cup … [+]
Over 15 hours of travelling later a jaded squad arrived to the gulf state on Monday. Also, in the 16 days since their league victory we have to consider that they played five matches in five different cities, and all of those were make or break title dependent games. When you read something like that it seems little surprise that the bubble finally burst against the Mexican side.
It would have been two more games in a week for Botafogo if the team had advanced to the Club World Cup final, but the physical and mental strain of such important games and so many miles of travel finally caught up with them, perhaps it is time for a rest. Plus, they will have more chance for Club World Cup success when they are feeling a little more refreshed next June, in the U.S.A.
John Textor and his team are trying to build a dynasty. Perhaps the best is yet to come, and more trophies are on the way in 2025.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – DECEMBER 08: Players of Botafogo celebrate with the trophies of Copa … [+]
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