Paulinho came off the bench to score an extra-time winner as Palmeiras edged past Botafogo in a tense all-Brazilian contest to become the first team to reach the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup.
The game, held in Philadelphia, remained largely uneventful throughout regular time, with both teams cancelling each other out in a physically intense encounter.
But the breakthrough finally came 10 minutes into extra time when Paulinho, who is returning from injury, cut in from the right and fired a low shot past goalkeeper John to seal a 1-0 win.
Palmeiras finished the match with 10 men after their captain, Gustavo Gomez, was sent off late in the game for a second yellow card.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the São Paulo club held on, securing progression to face the winner of the Benfica vs Chelsea clash in the last eight.
The match added another chapter to the heated rivalry between the two sides, which has intensified since 2023, when a remarkable comeback led by then-Palmeiras youngster Endrick helped overturn a 3-0 deficit against Botafogo in the Brazilian league title race.
The tension continued in the 2024 Copa Libertadores, where Botafogo eliminated Palmeiras in the round of 16 en route to their first continental triumph.
This meeting was fiercely contested from the start.
Botafogo defender Alexander Barboza picked up an early yellow card for a heavy challenge on Richard Rios, setting the tone for a match in which 11 players were booked.
Palmeiras maintained control of possession for much of the game, with Vitor Roque missing an early opportunity and having a penalty appeal waved away.
Richard Rios came closest in the first half, with a powerful effort that skimmed the top of the net.
After the break, Chelsea-bound teenager Estevao Willian forced a save from distance and had a goal ruled out for offside.
Mauricio was also denied by a fine reaction stop from John as the match edged into extra time.
Palmeiras kept up the pressure, and their persistence paid off when Paulinho, who also scored off the bench in the group stage against Inter Miami, produced another moment of brilliance.
His goal was enough to settle the tie despite a late push from Botafogo, who nearly forced an equaliser through Igor Jesus and Vitinho after the red card to Gomez.
Palmeiras will now stay in Philadelphia to prepare for Friday’s quarter-final.
Their disciplined defence, which has recorded three clean sheets in four games, and a knack for impactful substitutions continue to position them as serious contenders in the competition.
Botafogo, meanwhile, exit the tournament and turn their focus back to domestic football.