SAO PAULO, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Matheus Martins converted the decisive spot-kick as Botafogo advanced to the Copa Libertadores semifinals on Wednesday by defeating Brazilian rivals Sao Paulo on penalties.
After a goalless draw in the first leg of the quarterfinal in Rio de Janeiro, Botafogo went ahead in the 15th minute at Morumbi stadium when Argentine midfielder Thiago Almada headed home from close range.
Sao Paulo dominated possession thereafter and looked more dangerous in attack as Botafogo deployed a low defensive block.
The hosts were rewarded for their dominance three minutes from time when Jonathan Calleri thumped a majestic header past goalkeeper John Furtado after Andre Silva's cross.
With no extra time, the match advanced straight to penalties and Calleri went from hero to villain by missing his side's opening spot-kick.
Vitinho failed to convert Botafogo's fourth shot before Furtado denied Rodrigo Nestor with Sao Paulo's sixth attempt as the visitors prevailed 5-4 in the shootout.
In Wednesday's other all-Brazilian quarterfinal second leg, Deyverson scored two second-half goals to fire Atletico Mineiro to a 2-0 home win over Fluminense.
The result gave the Belo Horizonte outfit a 2-1 victory on aggregate over the 2023 champions. ■
