By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Botafogo got off to a winning start as the second half of the 2013 Campeonato Brasileiro kicked off last night. Botafogo narrowly edged out Corinthians, Vasco lost to relegation-threatened Portuguesa, whilst Fluminense drew with Atlético-PR.
Youngster Hyuri scored a winner at 89 minutes to give Botafogo a 1-0 win over Corinthians at the Maracanã. The result keeps them within touching distance of table-toppers Cruzeiro with fans believing the side can lift their first national crown since 1995.
The game had been relatively quiet and Corinthians had enjoyed the better chances particularly in the first half. However, as the final whistle neared, a piece of magic won the game for the Alvinegro.
Edílson’s wonderfully accurate pass put Hyuri through one-on-one with goalkeeper Cássio. As the keeper advanced, the 21-year-old stroked the ball past him to take the points.
Fluminense came from behind to draw 1-1 with Atlético-PR away from home. Atlético are unbeatean at home this season but started slowly last night.
Rhayner missed a good chance for Flu before Ederson’s volley from the edge of the area gave the home side the lead on sixteen minutes. On the stroke of half-time, Rafael Sóbis leveled with a curling free-kick that found the top right-hand corner of the net. It was his sixth goal of the campaign.
The game fell away in the second half as both sides became locked in midfield. Flu goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri was forced into action on two occasions but neither side threatened sufficiently to take all three points.
A goal in each half gave Portuguesa a comfortable 2-0 win over Vasco. Strikes from Correa in the eleventh minute and Gilberto fifteen minutes from time left the Cruz-Maltino looking over their shoulder towards the drop zone rather than pushing on up the table.
Tonight, Flamengo host Santos at the Maracanã. Kick-off is at 9PM.
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