Brasileiro Serie A - One of the craziest title race stories ever

Botafogo boasted a 14 point advantage at the summit of the table in early August, in which they had recorded 15 wins in 19 games and kept 13 clean sheets. 

The Brazilian minnows had crafted a physically astute and powerful counter-attacking style where their aerial prowess and defensive solidity made them a difficult team to break down. They had been intelligent with recruitment; scouting across Europe where they have acquired a plethora of top talents such as former Nice midfielder Danilo, Lazio defender Bastos and FC Porto talisman Tiquinho Soares. 

During the summer, they signed outcast Wolves duo Diego Costa and Fernando Marcal on free transfers and also have former Manchester United full-back Rafael.

The turning point for the Pantera was the departure of influential manager Luis Castro, who was poached by Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr during July. Botafogo owner John Textor opted to recruit recently sacked Wolves manager Bruno Lage, however the 47 year old only lasted four months at the Estadio Nilton Santos stadium averaging 1.6 points per game.

The Rio De Janeiro outfit have subsequently gone on an agonising run of two wins in their last 19 games to throw away their surprising lead at the top of the championship, during this time their title rivals have only strengthened their squads and form.

Reigning champions Palmeiras have gone on a run of eight wins in their last 10 games under Abel Ferreira, meanwhile Atletico Mineirão have experienced veteran Luiz Felipe Scolari at the helm and Flamengo have signed former Brazil manager Tite.

Going into the final judgement day in Serie A : Palmeiras, Atletico Mineirão and Flamengo can all still claim the title while only seven points separate first from seventh.

Botafogo have five consecutive draws in their last five games and sit in fifth on 64 points, just five points off the top spot.

Unfortunatley, they have been culpable for their own downfall on November 2 they were 3-0 up at half-time against 10 time champions Palmeiras and yet capitulated in the final moments of the game, conceding in the 90th and 99th minute to lose 4-3.

Against Gremio seven days later, they lead 3-1 in the 50th minute but scummed to a 19 minute Luis Suarez hat-trick to lose the game 4-3 yet again. 

One of the key reasons for this monumental collapse is the overloaded schedule in Brazil with teams having to play up to 70 games in a calendar year travelling long distances and facing each other every three days.

In addition, Botafogo arguably had a very straightforward start to the season with easier opponents whereas in the business end of the season all the big six teams were soley focusing on the league and had bolstered their squads after juggling different competitions at the start of the campaign.

It meant the underdogs were always overwhelmed with the pressure of maintaining their sizeable lead and this psychological hardship of being closed by the chasing pack has appeared to distract Botafogo and affect their season.