Palmeiras have become the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 after a dramatic 1-0 win over fellow Brazilians Botafogo in the opening match of the knockout stage.

This all-Brazilian clash lived up to its tactical billing. Both sides knew each other inside out, and Botafogo were content to sit deep, embracing the role of underdogs for a full 100 minutes before finally being breached. Palmeiras, meanwhile, dominated possession, racked up over a dozen corners, and unleashed shots from all angles — but were repeatedly denied until the very end.

And then came the breakthrough. On the 100th minute, Paulinho produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving his way through the box — unchallenged — before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. It was a goal that sealed the result in a match that, truth be told, lacked fireworks but delivered the outcome Palmeiras craved.

However, not everything went according to plan for Abel Ferreira's side. Captain Gustavo Gómez, a key defensive anchor, will miss the quarter-final. The Paraguayan centre-back received his second yellow card of the tournament in the first half and then got himself sent off during extra time for a rash wrestling-style foul in midfield. A moment of madness that leaves Palmeiras without their leader ahead of a tough showdown with the winner of Benfica vs Chelsea.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Palmeiras - Botafogo 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Paulinho F., 100 (1:0)

Palmeiras: Weverton; Fuchs B.; Giay A.; Gómez Gu. (till 116); Piquerez; Martínez Em. (Moreno An., 91); Ríos; Mauricio (Torres Fa., 85); Allan (Mayke, 71); Estêvão (Luighi, 63); Vitor Roque (Paulinho F., 63; Micael, 103)
Bench: Marcelo Lomba; Rocha; Vanderlan; Naves; Felipe Anderson; Veiga; Lucas Evangelista; Thalys; López José
Yellow Cards: Gómez Gu. 40, 116; Piquerez 86; Estêvão 105; Moreno An. 124; Weverton 125
Red cards: Gómez Gu. 116'

Botafogo: John Victor; Vitinho; Telles (Cuiabano, 66); Barboza Al.; Jair Cunha (Kaio, 84); Danilo Barbosa (Newton, 84); Marlon Freitas (Cabral, 103); Savarino (Correa J., 71); Allan (Montoro, 66); Artur; Igor Jesus
Bench: Raul; Linck L.; Ponte; Marçal; David Ricardo; Nathan Fernandes; Rodríguez S.; Rwan Cruz; Mastriani
Yellow Cards: Barboza Al. 4; Telles 35; Artur 65; Newton 90; Montoro 105