Flamengo Advances to Carioca Semifinals with Victory Over Botafogo

Flamengo secured a spot in the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca, defeating Botafogo 2-1 in a hard-fought quarterfinal match held at the Nilton Santos Stadium on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Goals from Lucas Paquetá and Erick Pulgar propelled Flamengo to victory, while Alexander Barboza scored the lone goal for Botafogo.

Match Summary

Flamengo dominated the early stages of the match, taking the lead in the 19th minute. Bruno Henrique recovered possession and passed to Lucas Paquetá, who scored with a precise shot from the edge of the area. Botafogo struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, with their attempts hampered by Flamengo’s strong pressure.

The second half saw a more aggressive Botafogo, and they managed to equalize in the 8th minute through a header from Alexander Barboza off a corner kick by Alex Telles. However, Flamengo quickly regained the upper hand. In the 38th minute, Erick Pulgar scored the winning goal after a deflection in the box, capitalizing on a rebound after his initial header was saved by the goalkeeper.

Key Moments

• 19th Minute: Lucas Paquetá scores the opening goal for Flamengo.
• 8th Minute (2nd Half): Alexander Barboza equalizes for Botafogo.
• 38th Minute (2nd Half): Erick Pulgar scores the winning goal for Flamengo.

Lineups

Botafogo

Neto, Bastos, Newton, Alexander Barboza, Vitinho, Danilo (Arthur Novaes), Jordan Barrera, Alex Telles, Álvaro Montoro (Artur), Villalba (Nathan Fernandes), and Matheus Martins (Arthur Cabral).

Flamengo

Andrew, Emerson Royal, Danilo, Vitão, Ayrton Lucas, Erick Pulgar, Lucas Paquetá (Léo Pereira), Carrascal (Evertton Araújo), Plata (Luiz Araújo), Samuel Lino (Arrascaeta), and Bruno Henrique (Cebolinha).

What’s Next?

Flamengo will face Madureira in the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca. Botafogo will participate in the Taça Rio, a parallel tournament for teams eliminated in the quarterfinal stage. The remaining quarterfinal match between Fluminense and Bangu will be played on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Maracanã Stadium.

Technical Sheet

Competition: Campeonato Carioca – Quarterfinals

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)

Referee: Bruno Arleu de Araújo

Assistants: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Corrêa and Thiago Henrique Neto Corrêa

VAR: Rodrigo Carvalhaes de Miranda