Coach Davide Ancelotti has confirmed Botafogo’s starting lineup for the decisive Copa Libertadores round of 16 second-leg match against LDU. The game is scheduled for this Thursday, August 21, at 7 PM (Brasília time) at the Estádio Casa Blanca in Quito.
Ancelotti has opted for a tactical shift, employing a formation with three defensive midfielders. Allan has been brought into the midfield, while Matheus Martins is a notable inclusion in an attack that will start without a traditional center-forward, leaving Arthur Cabral on the bench. In defense, Marçal retains his starting position, with David Ricardo listed among the substitutes.
Botafogo’s starting XI is as follows: John; Vitinho, Alexander Barboza, Marçal, Alex Telles; Allan, Marlon Freitas, Danilo; Artur, Matheus Martins, and Savarino.
The available substitutes are Neto, Mateo Ponte, David Ricardo, Newton, Kauan Lindes, Álvaro Montoro, Santi Rodríguez, Nathan Fernandes, Jeffinho, Joaquín Correa, Mastriani, and Arthur Cabral.
Holding a 1-0 aggregate lead from the first leg at Estádio Nilton Santos, Botafogo only needs a draw to advance to the quarterfinals, where São Paulo awaits the winner.
LDU, managed by Tiago Nunes, has also announced its lineup: Valle; José Quintero, Adé, Richard Mina, Leonel Quiñónez; Gruezo, Villamil, Cornejo, Bryan Ramírez; Alzugaray, and Jeison Medina.
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