Internacional-RS — Botafogo Rio de Janeiro : Match Preview and Prediction for October 05,2025

Current Struggles of Internacional

Currently, Internacional stands as the weakest team in the second half of the Brazilian Serie A season. This statistic speaks volumes about their current state. The squad is clearly in a deep crisis, primarily evident in their offensive performance. The club is intensely focused on rectifying their attacking woes, specifically improving their finishing.

Tactical Adjustments Under New Leadership

New coach Ramon Diaz is actively seeking solutions to this predicament. It appears his strategy involves strengthening the defense. Recent reports indicate he is seriously considering a transition to a three-center-back formation to enhance security in front of their goal. This clearly signals a more cautious approach from the team.

Offensive Inefficiency Highlights

Their recent 1-1 draw against Corinthians serves as a stark illustration of these issues. Internacional dominated possession and managed 10 shots, yet scored only once, from a penalty in the dying minutes. Despite an Expected Goals (xG) figure of 1.49, they converted just one opportunity. This underscores severe finishing problems. Furthermore, the team ranks second to last in the league for headed goals and last for goals scored from outside the box. Internacional’s attack appears overly predictable and ineffective.

Botafogo’s Defensive Road Record

Botafogo is synonymous with low-scoring away games. The statistics are undeniably strong: in 17 of their last 20 away matches, fewer than two goals were scored. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a consistent pattern. Botafogo leads the league in games featuring under 2.5 goals, with 18 such occurrences out of 26 matches.

Elite Away Defense

Furthermore, Botafogo boasts the best away defense in the league, having conceded only 8 goals in 13 road fixtures. Davide Ancelotti’s team expertly organizes their defense, especially when playing away, consistently limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities.

Defensive Challenges and Tactical Response

While the team faces significant personnel challenges, particularly in defense, with three left-backs unavailable (Alex Telles and Marçal injured, Cuiabano suspended), and center-back Caio also sidelined. In practice, this means the coach will be forced to simplify the game further, emphasizing defense and relying on improvised solutions. The absence of the attacking full-back Cuiabano, who provided width and threat on the flank, also diminishes the team’s offensive potential.