Palmeiras edged fellow Brazilian side Botafogo 1-0 after extra time in a tense last-16 encounter at the Club World Cup on Saturday, with substitute Paulinho scoring the decisive goal to secure their progression.
The winger struck in the 100th minute after latching onto a pass from Richard Rios on the right. With time and space to manoeuvre, Paulinho cut inside and curled a low finish into the far corner, sparking wild celebrations among Palmeiras supporters in the Lincoln Financial Field crowd of over 33,000.
The goal proved a masterstroke from coach Abel Ferreira, who had introduced Paulinho in the second half in place of 18-year-old starlet Estevao Willian. This substitution raised eyebrows at the time. However, the decision paid off handsomely as Palmeiras, despite having captain Gustavo Gomez sent off in the closing stages, held firm to claim victory.
Palmeiras, Libertadores champions in 2020 and 2021, will now remain in Philadelphia to face either Benfica or Chelsea in next Friday's quarter-final. The two European giants were set to clash later on Saturday in Charlotte.
Palmeiras were the more dominant side throughout, with most of the clear opportunities falling their way in the midday heat.