When Botafogo rolls into town this Sunday (5:30 PM ET) to face Juventude, they’ll bring the kind of momentum that could bury a struggling side—or spark a desperate fightback. The Rio powerhouse arrives riding a scorching four wins in five matches, their only blemish a recent hiccup, while Juventude are clinging to survival mode with just one win in their last five and a defense that’s looked increasingly shaky. For Botafogo’s attacking talismans—who’ve turned their midseason stumble into a statement of intent—this is a chance to feast against a side still searching for answers.

The stakes couldn’t be clearer: Botafogo smells blood in the water, and Juventude’s backline will need to summon its grittiest performance yet to avoid a full-blown crisis. History suggests this won’t be pretty—Botafogo’s resurgence has been built on suffocating pressure and clinical finishes, while Juventude’s leaky form has left fans restless. But if there’s a time for an upset, it’s when pride is on the line. Can Juventude’s home crowd will them to a defiant stand? Or will Botafogo’s red-hot form turn this into another masterclass? Sunday night’s clash isn’t just about points—it’s about who blinks first.