The opening round of the 2025 Brazilian Serie A delivered an early blockbuster as Palmeiras — champions in 2023 — faced off against reigning title holders Botafogo.

Despite the hype surrounding the fixture, the match failed to live up to expectations in terms of drama and goals. Botafogo had the better of the first half, focusing on a compact midfield and quick counter-attacks that disrupted Palmeiras’ rhythm.

Brazil - Serie A: Fixtures, Results & Standings

Palmeiras only began to show urgency late in the second half. The best chance fell to Flaco López, who couldn’t capitalise, squandering a golden opportunity to steal all three points.

In the end, a 0–0 draw felt like a fair result between two evenly matched sides still finding their feet at the start of a long season.

2025, Brazil - Serie A

Palmeiras - Botafogo 0:0

Palmeiras: Weverton; Mayke (Giay A., 67); Micael; Piquerez; Murilo (Fuchs B., 67); Ríos (Martínez Em., 72); Veiga (Felipe Anderson, 67); Lucas Evangelista; Estêvão; Vitor Roque (López José, 78); Torres Fa.
Bench: Marcelo Lomba; Vanderlan; Naves; Luighi
Yellow Cards: Murilo 43; Mayke 62; Estêvão 84

Botafogo: John Victor; Telles (Cuiabano, 81); Barboza Al.; Vitinho; Jair Cunha; Marlon Freitas; Gregore; de Paula (Newton, 78); Savarino (Matheus Martins, 68); Artur (Iago André, 77); Igor Jesus
Bench: Linck L.; Ponte; Allan; Rodríguez S.; Jeffinho
Yellow Cards: Barboza Al. 50; Artur 57; Matheus Martins 86