By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Botafogo came from behind to beat Flamengo 2-1 in the 28th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro yesterday evening at the Maracanã Stadium. The three points lifted the Alvinegro into second place and closed the gap on leaders Cruzeiro to ten points.
Youngster Gegê put in a man of the match performance, scoring one and creating the other as Botafogo beat their Carioca rivals for the first time in thirteen years in the Brasileirão. Flamengo are five points above the relegation zone but eleven away from qualifying for next year’s Copa Libertadores.
Botafogo were superior throughout the game. They passed the ball more frequently, created more chances and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession.
Still they fell behind on twelve minutes after some slick Flamengo build-up play. André Santos played in Wallace whose touch found Hernane in the area. The number nine shot first time past Renan to give Fla the lead.
Botafogo had veteran Clarence Seedorf back to his best. Four minutes before the interval his pass found Gegê whose shot found the far corner of the net.
Realizing they were in danger of defeat Flamengo went on the offensive at the beginning of the second half, yet Botafogo continued to threaten as well. From Seedorf’s left-wing cross Rafael Marques hit a scorching volley that cannoned back off a post. Felipe was beaten in the Flamengo goal and the woodwork kept the score in tact.
He wasn’t so lucky the next time. Gegê crossed from the left and Rafael Marques stole in front of his marker to deftly flick the ball beyond Felipe. Flamengo blitzed the Botafogo goal in the closing stages but could not find a way through. The Glorioso held on for a memorable victory.
Elsewhere, Vasco lost 3-2 away to Criciúma. The Cruz-Maltino remain in the relegation zone, two points from safety.
Read more (in Portuguese).
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