Danilo’s double lifts Botafogo seven points clear of Gremio

Danilo dos Santos de Oliveira scored twice as Botafogo beat Gremio 3-2 at the Estadio Olimpico Nilton Santos. The result leaves Botafogo 11th on 35 points, seven points clear of 16th-placed Gremio on 28.

How it happened

Botafogo took the lead after 30 minutes when Álvaro Montoro assisted Danilo dos Santos de Oliveira. Gremio levelled six minutes later through Jovane Cabral, making it 1-1 at half time. Montoro restored Botafogo’s advantage in the 52nd minute with Vitinho providing the assist, before Danilo scored again in the 79th minute from Montoro’s second assist. Gustavo Martins reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the 88th minute, with Tetê setting up the goal, but Gremio could not find another equaliser.

The numbers

Gremio had more of the ball, recording 64% possession and 646 total passes to Botafogo’s 368. Botafogo were more accurate with their attempts, however, registering seven shots on goal from 10 total efforts, while Gremio had three shots on goal from 13. Botafogo also held the higher expected-goals figure, 0.89 to 0.57.

Who decided it

Montoro shaped the contest with one goal, two assists, two shots on target and three key passes in 79 minutes. His 8.9 match rating was the highest of the game. Danilo Santos supplied the finishing, scoring twice in 90 minutes and putting all three of his shots on target; his 8.4 rating followed Montoro’s.

Why it matters

Botafogo moved to 35 points from 27 games, with a record of nine wins, eight draws and 10 losses, while Gremio stayed on 28 points after seven wins, seven draws and 13 losses. Flamengo lead Serie A with 57 points, leaving Botafogo 22 points back and Gremio 29 adrift.