Botafogo, the 2024 Copa Libertadores champions, are falling behind in the race to reach the Round of 16, after suffering a 1-0 defeat in La Plata against Estudiantes de La Plata, leaving them with just three points in Group A.

A lucky deflection changed it all

The only goal of the match came in the 38th minute, when Guido Carrillo fired a shot that deflected off a defender and wrong-footed keeper John, giving Eduardo Domínguez’s side the lead. After that, the ‘Pinchas’ sat back and defended their advantage with discipline.

In the second half, Renato Paiva’s Botafogo pushed forward with intensity, trying to level the score. Their best chance came through Venezuelan winger Jefferson Savarino, whose thunderous strike rattled the crossbar and had keeper Matías Mansilla holding his breath.

Group standings after the match

With this win, Estudiantes move up to second in the group with six points, while Botafogo remain third with just three—making their path to the next round much trickier.

Meanwhile, Universidad de Chile sit at the top of the group with seven points after a 1-1 draw away to Carabobo, who are still at the bottom with only one point. The group is still wide open, but pressure is mounting on the Brazilian side.