Let's take a good hard look at the impending showdown between Athletico and Botafogo. Now in the world of goalkeeping, any soccer savant will tell you it's as crucial as guacamole in an avocado toast. John Victor of Botafogo has been quite the shield with an impressive rating of 7.57 and a solid 10 saves. But my friends, let's not dim the spotlight on Athletico's Mycael, who's out there making John's stats seem almost pedestrian with a whopping 20 saves and a 7.80 rating. It's clear he's been eating his Wheaties.
On to the warriors on the pitch, Botafogo showcases the likes of Luiz Henrique who, with his 7.67 rating and 2 goals to his name, is as threatening as clowns at a five year old's birthday party. Marlon Freitas and Danilo Barbosa clocking in with ratings above 7.50, despite having no goals this season, got spectators wide-eyed with their accurate pass percentage.
As far as Athletico goes, putting the ball in the back of the net seems like a 7th grade math problem - too complicated. I have to give it to Agustín Canobbio though, he's one of the few who solved it with 1 goal and a 7.30 rating. Thiago Heleno and Bruno Zapelli on the other hand, might be shooting blanks when it comes to goals, but they've made folks on the other team sweat with those shot on goals.
Past encounters have been as balanced as a yoga instructor on one foot, with 2 ties and a narrow victory for Athletico. We've seen more ties between these clubs than a Wall Street banker's wardrobe.
Athletico's season record looks like a roller coaster ride with 8 wins, 7 draws and 11 losses... talk about inconsistency. Botafogo on the other hand, floats around like a butterfly with 17 wins, 6 draws and just 5 losses, stinging like a bee when opponents least expect it.
Recent results have Athletico walking away feeling as deflated as a punctured football. Botafogo, however, comes in red-hot, winning 3 of their last 5 matches. Now, if you're a betting man, and I know some of you are, maybe squeeze your lucky rabbit's foot and consider this:
Albert’s Prediction: Botafogo by 1