A late equaliser from Juan Carlos Ferreyra ensured Botafogo left Chile with a point after drawing 1-1 with Unión Española in the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday night.
The visitors enjoyed the better of the second period but went behind when Cristian Chávez twinkled toed into the box and found the bottom corner, however Ferreyra spared their blushes.
The host started well at the Estadio Santa Laura-Universidad and proved to be tough opposition for Eduardo Hungaro’s team.
They should have gone ahead as well midway through the first half but Botafogo captain Jefferson blocked well from Carlos Salom.
Ferreyra should have given the visitors the lead though just before half time but Diego Sánchez saved his effort following Jorge Wágner’s long-range shot.
Botafogo were on the front foot immediately in the second period and the lively Nicolás Lodeiro missed a great chance when Wallyson teed him up.
Salom missed another good opportunity for Unión Española soon after as he headed wide from Lorenzo Faravelli’s cross.
And then the Chileans were in dreamland as Matías Campos passed into Chávez, he left Dória tackling thin air before holding off Júlio César and slotting into the bottom corner.
With 15 minutes remaining it was going to be backs against the wall stuff for the Chileans but Botafogo broke their resistance when Ferreyra headed in from Edílson’s measured cross with just four minutes of normal time left.
It was a fair result on reflection and leaves Botafogo top of Group 2 ahead of their next match, which is on March 12th away to Independiente del Valle.
