Glorioso fans plan fake R$3 bills with photos and terms like 'judas' and 'mercenary' for the reunion with the ex-athletes.
The Nilton Santos stadium prepares for an electrifying reunion this Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM. Botafogo hosts Palmeiras for the 26th round of the Brasileirão, but the spotlight turns outside the four lines, where the black-and-white fans are organizing a series of provocations.
The demonstrations are aimed at two former Glorioso players who now play for Verdão: midfielder Marlon Freitas and defender Alexander Barboza. Botafogo fans have not forgiven the duo's departure to a national rival and promise a hostile atmosphere upon the players' arrival.
Among the planned actions, the printing of fake three-real bills stands out. These symbolic notes will feature photos of Marlon Freitas and Alexander Barboza, accompanied by words such as “judas,” “mercenary,” and “traitor,” in a clear allusion to the players' alleged “falsity.” The objective is to express the fans' dissatisfaction with the players' transfer.
Anticipated Reunion at Nilton Santos
Marlon Freitas and Alexander Barboza were important figures in Botafogo's victorious campaigns, which included winning the Brasileirão and the Copa Libertadores in 2024. Their move to Palmeiras reignited a rivalry that intensified in 2023, when Verdão overtook Fogão in the final rounds to win the Brasileirão title after an excellent initial campaign by the Rio de Janeiro team.
The clash comes at different moments for the clubs this season. Palmeiras remains alive in the three main competitions and leads the Brasileirão. Botafogo, on the other hand, is exclusively focused on the Brasileirão, seeking to end a four-match winless streak in the competition.
Recent Head-to-Head History between Palmeiras and Botafogo
The last five clashes between Botafogo and Palmeiras show the intensity of the rivalry. On March 18, 2026, Palmeiras defeated Botafogo 2-1 at Nubank Parque in the 7th round of the Brasileirão. Before that, on August 17, 2025, Verdão overcame Glorioso 1-0 at Nilton Santos in the 20th round of the same championship.
In an international dispute, Palmeiras got the better of Botafogo with a 1-0 score on June 28, 2025, in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup, in a match held at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA. On March 30, 2025, in the 1st round of the Brasileirão, the teams drew 0-0 at Nubank Parque. Botafogo's most recent victory occurred on November 26, 2024, when Glorioso beat Palmeiras 3-1, also at Nubank Parque, in the 36th round of the Brasileirão.
Absences and Current Club Situations
In addition to the provocations, the match will have important absences. Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira is suspended for two matches by the STJD after kicking a microphone. On Botafogo's side, player Alex Telles will be out due to a thigh injury.
The probable lineups for the clash are: Botafogo with Gabriel Batista; Nahuel Ferraresi, Justino, Lucas Monzón; Vitinho, Huguinho, Danilo Santos, Marçal; Edenilson, Álvaro Montoro; Arthur Cabral. Palmeiras is expected to take the field with Carlos Miguel; Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Alexander Barboza; Giay, Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira, Piquerez; Flaco López, Maurício; Vitor Roque.
Palmeiras seeks to maintain its leadership, threatened by Flamengo's approach, needing a victory against Botafogo. Glorioso, on the other hand, aims to get back to winning ways and shake off their poor form in the Brasileirão.
Upcoming Challenges on the Calendar
After the duel with Glorioso, Palmeiras has a Choque-Rei classic against São Paulo on September 12, at 6:30 PM, at Nubank Parque. Following that, they visit Grêmio in Porto Alegre on September 20, at 11:00 AM, and host Bahia on October 8, at 9:30 PM, again at Nubank Parque.
Botafogo, in turn, will have two consecutive home games at Nilton Santos after the clash with Palmeiras. The first will be against Red Bull Bragantino on September 12, at 8:30 PM, and the second, on September 16, at 7:30 PM, against Grêmio. Afterward, Glorioso travels to Mirassol, São Paulo, to face Mirassol at Maião, on September 19, at 5:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why will Botafogo fans provoke Marlon Freitas and Alexander Barboza?
Botafogo fans are planning provocations against former players Marlon Freitas and Alexander Barboza due to dissatisfaction with their departure to rival Palmeiras, even after they were important figures in Glorioso's 2024 Brasileirão and Libertadores triumphs.
What provocations have Botafogo fans prepared for the players?
Botafogo fans have prepared fake three-real bills, which include photos of the players, as well as inscriptions with the words “judas,” “mercenary,” and “traitor,” in a demonstration of repudiation for the transfer.
When and where will the Botafogo vs. Palmeiras match marking the reunion take place?
The match between Botafogo and Palmeiras is scheduled for this Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM, at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, for the 26th round of the Brasileirão.
What is the current situation of Botafogo and Palmeiras this season?
Palmeiras leads the Brasileirão and remains in contention in three competitions, while Botafogo, focused solely on the Brasileirão, seeks to reverse a four-match winless streak in the competition.
Will coach Abel Ferreira be on Palmeiras' bench against Botafogo?
No, Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira is suspended for two matches by the STJD and, therefore, will not be able to command the team from the bench in the clash against Botafogo.