Flamengo Beats Botafogo: Advances to Carioca Semifinals – Highlights & Results
Flamengo secured a 2-1 victory over Botafogo on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Nilton Santos Stadium, advancing to the semifinal of the Campeonato Carioca. Goals from Lucas Paquetá and Erick Pulgar propelled Flamengo to victory, while Alexander Barboza scored the lone goal for Botafogo.
Match Recap
The first half saw Flamengo aggressively press Botafogo, disrupting their build-up play. Flamengo’s attack, led by Emerson Royal and Samuel Lino, created several dangerous opportunities. Botafogo attempted to counter with Matheus Martins and Barrera, but struggled to convert their chances.
Lucas Paquetá opened the scoring for Flamengo in the 19th minute, finishing a play initiated by Bruno Henrique. Further chances followed for both sides, with Paquetá nearly adding a second and Botafogo threatening through Matheus Martins. Danilo was forced to leave the game late in the first half due to a virilha (groin) injury, being replaced by Arthur Novaes.
Botafogo began the second half with increased intensity, attempting to pressure Flamengo’s attack. Newton tested Andrew with a long-range shot, and their efforts paid off when Barboza headed in a goal from an Alex Telles corner kick in the 8th minute, leveling the score.
Flamengo regained control as the game progressed, creating opportunities through Cebolinha and adjustments made by Filipe Luís. After a series of corner kicks, Arrascaeta’s delivery was initially saved by Neto, but Pulgar was on hand to score the rebound in the 38th minute, restoring Flamengo’s lead.
Looking Ahead
Flamengo’s victory secures their place in the Campeonato Carioca semifinal, where they will face Madureira. Botafogo will now compete in the Taça Rio, a parallel tournament for teams eliminated in the first phase. Boavista and Volta Redonda have already been eliminated, and the final quarterfinal matchup will be between Fluminense and Bangu on Monday, February 16th, at the Maracanã.
Match Details
BOTAFOGO 1 X 2 FLAMENGO
📆 Date and Time: Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM (Brasília time)
📍 Location: Nilton Santos Stadium, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
⚽ Goals: Paquetá (19’/1T), Barboza (8’/2T) and Pulgar (38’/2T)
🟨 Yellow Cards: Bastos and Villalba (BOT)
Lineups
Botafogo
Neto, Bastos, Newton and Alexander Barboza; Vitinho, Danilo (Arthur Novaes), Jordan Barrera, Alex Telles and Álvaro Montoro (Artur); Villalba (Nathan Fernandes) and Matheus Martins (Arthur Cabral).
Flamengo
Andrew; Emerson Royal, Danilo, Vitão and Ayrton Lucas; Erick Pulgar, Lucas Paquetá (Léo Pereira) and Carrascal (Evertton Araújo); Plata (Luiz Araújo), Samuel Lino (Arrascaeta) and Bruno Henrique (Cebolinha).
🟨 Referee: Bruno Arleu de Araújo
🚩 Assistants: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Corrêa and Thiago Henrique Neto Corrêa
🖥️ VAR: Rodrigo Carvalhaes de Miranda
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
The final score was Botafogo 1 – 2 Flamengo.
Who scored the goals for Flamengo?
Lucas Paquetá and Erick Pulgar scored the goals for Flamengo.
What competition was this match a part of?
This match was a quarterfinal of the Campeonato Carioca.
Considering Flamengo’s strong performance and advancement to the semifinals, how do you think their momentum will influence their chances of winning the Campeonato Carioca?