Botafogo Faces Barcelona-EQU in Crucial Libertadores Clash
Botafogo will host Barcelona-EQU this Tuesday (March 10, 2026) at the Nilton Santos Stadium, with a spot in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores on the line. The match is set to kick off at 9:30 PM local time.
Lineups and Expected Changes
Botafogo coach Martín Anselmi is expected to make two changes to the starting lineup compared to the first leg in Guayaquil, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Allan, recovered from a thigh injury, and Arthur Cabral are slated to enter the team, replacing Mateo Ponte and Jordan Barrera. This adjustment will see Newton shift to a defensive role.
The anticipated Botafogo lineup is as follows: Léo Linck; Newton, Bastos, and Alexander Barboza; Vitinho, Allan, Danilo, and Alex Telles; Álvaro Montoro, Matheus Martins, and Arthur Cabral.
Barcelona-EQU will also field a similar lineup to the first match, with Benedetto remaining on the bench. Their starting eleven consists of Contreras; Rangel, Báez, and Sosa; Carabalí, Céliz, Jhonny Quiñónez, and Vallecilla; Héctor Villalba, Joao Rojas, and Tomas Martinez.
What’s at Stake
With the first leg ending in a 1-1 tie, the winner of Tuesday’s match will advance to the group stage of the Libertadores. The losing team will be relegated to the Copa Sudamericana. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, the tie will be decided by a penalty shootout.
Team News and Availability
Goalkeeper Neto remains unavailable and has not been included in the matchday squad. However, Artur, who has recovered from a muscle discomfort, is once again available for selection by Anselmi. Wallace Davi also returns to the squad, having been ineligible for the match against Bangu due to his previous participation in the Carioca championship with Fluminense.
Reserves
Botafogo’s bench will include Raul, Kadu, Justino, Allan, Arthur Novaes, Wallace Davi, Caio Valle, Artur, Nathan Fernandes, Lucas Villalba, Joaquín Correa, and Arthur Cabral.