Botafogo and Vasco Clash in Campeonato Carioca – A Glance Ahead
Botafogo faces Vasco this Sunday, February 8, 2026, at São Januário, in the final round of the Taça Guanabara of the Campeonato Carioca. For Botafogo, the outcome holds little consequence as they’ve already secured the top spot in Group B.
This guaranteed position means Botafogo will face Flamengo in the quarterfinals, a single-match showdown likely to be held at Estádio Nilton Santos, with a potential penalty shootout if the game ends in a draw.
Botafogo’s Strategy: Youth Focus
Due to the importance of upcoming matches in both the Campeonato Brasileiro and the approaching Libertadores debut, Botafogo coach Martín Anselmi is expected to field a team comprised largely of under-20 players. Only Léo Linck and Bastos from the main squad are anticipated to start.
Several players are unavailable for Botafogo due to injury or regulatory issues, including Kaio Pantaleão, Ythallo, Marçal, Wallace Davi, Lucas Villalba, Santi Rodríguez, Joaquín Correa, and Chris Ramos.
Justino is the only Botafogo player currently on a yellow card suspension, meaning another caution in this match would rule him out of the quarterfinal against Flamengo.
Vasco’s Stakes: A Fight for Position
For Vasco, with only two wins in 2026 thus far, the clásico carries greater weight. Their qualification for the quarterfinals was secured by Flamengo’s 7-1 victory over Sampaio Corrêa. However, the result of the Botafogo match will determine their next opponent: a draw or loss would mean facing Fluminense, although a win would pit them against Volta Redonda at São Januário.
Team Lineups
Vasco: Léo Jardim; Pumita Rodríguez, Lucas Freitas (Saldívia), Robert Renan and Lucas Piton; Cauan Barros, Thiago Mendes and Philipe Coutinho; Nuno Moreira, Brenner and Andrés Gómez.
Botafogo: Léo Linck; Bastos, Kauã Branco (Alexander Barboza) and Justino; Kadu, Marquinhos, Bernardo Valim and Gabriel Abdias; Caio Valle, Kadir and Kauan Toledo.
Match Details
The match will be held at São Januário on February 8, 2026, at 18:00 (6:00 PM). Yuri Elino Ferreira da Cruz will be the referee.
Viewers can catch the game on TV Globo (for viewers in RJ, AC, AL, AP, AM, BA, ES, GO, MA, MS, PA, PI, RN, RO, RR, SE, TO, DF and Juiz de Fora) and Premiere for nationwide coverage.
Ticket Information
Botafogo tickets are priced at R$60 (full price), R$30 (half price), and R$24 (for members) and can be purchased at vasco.eleventickets.com. Botafogo fans will enter through Gate 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the match being played? São Januário.
- What time does the match start? 18:00 (6:00 PM) on February 8, 2026.
- Where can I watch the match? TV Globo, and Premiere.
- Who is the referee? Yuri Elino Ferreira da Cruz.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the youth players from Botafogo – this match offers a valuable opportunity to scout potential future stars.
Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis. Explore more Campeonato Carioca coverage on our site for the latest news and insights.
