Botafogo, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions, kept their hopes alive with a crucial 3-2 win over Estudiantes de La Plata on Wednesday, a result that narrows the gap in Group A and sets up a dramatic final matchday in the race for the Round of 16.

Playing at the Nilton Santos Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian side controlled most of the game and went ahead with goals from Rwan Cruz and Igor Jesus. However, Estudiantes fought back thanks to a brace from Tiago Palacios. With just five minutes remaining, Artur scored the decisive goal for the hosts.

With this win, Botafogo remain third in the Group A standings with nine points, the same as Estudiantes, who hold second place due to superior goal difference. Universidad de Chile lead the group with 10 points.

To advance to the Round of 16, Botafogo must defeat Universidad de Chile in their final match. A win would not only ensure qualification but could also see them finish top of the group, provided Estudiantes fail to beat already eliminated Carabobo, who have just one point.

Group A remains wide open, with Universidad de Chile, Estudiantes, and Botafogo all still fighting for the two available knockout stage spots.

The victory also provided a much-needed boost for Portuguese coach Renato Paiva, whose position has been under pressure due to inconsistent results. On top of that, Paiva had to manage without key players such as Venezuelan striker Jefferson Savarino and Argentine defender Alexander Barboza.

In desperate need of a win, Botafogo took control from the opening whistle, flooding Estudiantes’ box with passes in search of space, while the Argentine side relied on a deep defensive line and counterattacks.

Botafogo’s first clear chance came in the 6th minute, when Artur failed to capitalize on a cross from Marlon Freitas. Goalkeeper Matías Mansilla was kept busy throughout the match, denying efforts from Freitas, Artur, and multiple headers from Igor Jesus.

The breakthrough finally came in the 41st minute, when Rwan Cruz, who had been quiet, finished off a low cross from Artur on the left.

Botafogo came out even stronger after the break, and Igor Jesus nearly extended the lead in the 50th minute with a header that hit the crossbar. Just a minute later, he made it 2-0, heading in a corner from Alex Telles after a misjudged exit by Mansilla.

When it seemed Botafogo were in full control, a handball by Gregori gave Estudiantes a lifeline. Palacios converted the penalty in the 58th minute, placing the ball perfectly beyond goalkeeper John.

Fifteen minutes later, Palacios struck again. After a long pass from Arzamendia, the ball rebounded in the box off defender Jair, and Palacios slotted it home to level the score at 2-2.

Just as Estudiantes appeared to have momentum, Artur stepped up with the match-winner in the 85th minute. After receiving another pass from Marlon Freitas, he beat his defender, drove into the box, and calmly finished to seal the 3-2 victory.

Botafogo now have everything to play for in the final group stage match, where they will host Universidad de Chile, while Estudiantes face Carabobo in search of their own ticket to the next round.