Pachuca stun Libertadores champions Botafogo to secure Intercontinental Cup progress
Mexican club Pachuca delivered a surprising performance by defeating Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo 3-0 on Wednesday, securing their place in the semi-finals of the Intercontinental Cup. The victory was marked by second-half goals from Oussama Idrissi (50), Nelson Deossa (66), and Salomon Rondon (80).
Pachuca is set to compete against Egypt's Al Ahly on Saturday, with the winner earning the opportunity to face Champions League titleholders Real Madrid in the final next week.
Botafogo's manager, Artur Jorge, opted to rest several key players due to the team's exhausting travel from Rio de Janeiro and their recent triumph in the Brazilian league, resulting in a performance that fell short of their usual dominance displayed throughout 2024.
Having played five matches across three different countries in just over two weeks, Coach Jorge made five alterations to the lineup that had secured a 3-1 victory over Atletico Mineiro in the Copa Libertadores final in Buenos Aires just ten days prior. In contrast, Pachuca had not participated in a competitive match for 31 days following their exit from Mexico's Apertura competition.
Despite controlling possession for the majority of the match, Botafogo squandered numerous opportunities, which ultimately led to their downfall. Idrissi opened the scoring in the 50th minute with a remarkable solo effort, weaving through three defenders before finishing from close range.
In an attempt to invigorate his team, Coach Jorge made three substitutions in the 55th minute, introducing captain Marlon Freitas, Argentinian forward Thiago Almada, and Copa Libertadores top-scorer Junior Santos. However, a defensive error allowed Deossa to extend Pachuca's lead in the 66th minute.
As Botafogo pressed to regain control, Pachuca capitalized on a swift counter-attack, with Rondon sealing the victory in the 80th minute, confirming their status as the CONCACAF champions.
Jorge addressed the press, stating, "Stepping onto the pitch just over 24 hours after arriving in a new country, compounded by a lengthy journey and the effects of jet lag, is indeed frustrating, particularly given the demanding schedule we face as a team. Our performance was subpar, and that is difficult to accept.
"I will not offer excuses for our shortcomings. Pachuca outperformed us; they were more efficient and capitalized on their opportunities in the second half. However, it is important to acknowledge that due to the circumstances we encountered, we were unable to field the ideal lineup today.
"There is little more to discuss regarding the context, as we must focus on the outcome. While the result was not what we desired, it does not diminish the achievements we have made this season."
SportsLigue