Despite the victory, Castro detonates Botafogo’s second half

Last Thursday, the 25th, the Botafogo won the Cesar Vallejo at Copa Sudamericana 2023. Alvinegro Carioca opened 3-0 in the first half, but ended the match needing to hold the opponent, who reacted, scored 3-2 and almost tied. Luis Castrocoach of the Brazilian team, harshly criticized the performance presented after the break.

“Two totally different parts. A first half completely dominated by us, in which we managed to score three goals. In the second half, there was a decisive moment which was the arrival of vallejo to the first goal. From the 3 to 1, we destabilized a lot. The team was unable to manage the game in the opposing midfield”explained Castro at a press conference.

“Throughout the game, we tried to get to the goal very quickly. We didn’t have the courage to have the ball during the second half and we invited the opponent to come after us”. Despite the scare, the Botafogo managed to take the three points home and consolidated at the top of the group for the continental tournament.

“We could have scored a fourth goal in one shot or another. Vallejo could also have reached the third in the last shot of the game. So, basically, a result that fits”analyzed Castro. “We achieved our goals, which was to win, manage some players for the next game that we only have two days to rest. And another objective was to reach the first place”.

Regarding what would have been missing in the second stage of the confrontation, the alvinegro coach was categorical: “We knew we had to avoid crosses into the area, that Vallejo was strong. They would try to get a lot through the corridors and crossed to the area. They managed to do it in the second half. In the first half we were good and we reacted strongly to the loss”. Botafogo returns to the field on Sunday, the 28th, to face Americaat home, by Brasileirão.