By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Vasco went top of the 2012 Brasileirão table after a 1-0 win against Botafogo at the Engenhão Stadium last night. Number nine Alecsandro got the winner in the second half to send the Cruz-Maltino a point ahead of Atlético-MG, who play tonight against Santos.
There was further misery for Clarence Seedorf, who saw his new side lose for the second successive occasion after Sunday’s 1-0 reverse against Grêmio.
The former Dutch international put in another encouraging performance and pushed his body to the limit, but was unable to give Botafogo the impetus they needed on a night when Vasco’s midfield was always first to the punch.
After the game, the Vascaínos saluted their own veteran, Juninho Pernambucano, who continues to defy time with another exceptional display. The 38-year-old provided the assist that set up Alecsandro for the game’s only goal; Alecsandro is the league’s top marksman with eight goals.
Meanwhile, Fluminense lost the league’s only unbeaten record, going down 1-0 to Grêmio. Tonight, Flamengo host Portuguesa at the Engenhão with new coach Dorival Junior in charge for the first time after Joel Santana was relieved of his duties on Monday.
Read more (in Portuguese).
* The Rio Times Daily Updates feature is offered to help keep you up-to-date with important news as it happens.