By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Botafogo went back top of the 2013 Brasileirão despite only drawing 1-1 with Goiás at the Estádio Mané Garrincha in Brasília last night. Rafael Marques scored his sixth goal of the campaign to give the Alvinegro the lead, but André Bahia’s own goal in the second half gave Goiás a share of the points.
With Cruzeiro and Coritiba playing this afternoon, Botafogo must hope both lose if they are to remain atop the pile. Against average opponents, coach Oswaldo de Oliveira will see this opportunity as two points dropped after a lackluster display.
It was a night to forget for Botafogo defender André Bahia. In the early exchanges, he accidentally clashed with teammate Marcelo Mattos and was forced to play the remained of the match wearing a protective mask.
Goiás had the better of the first half with Jefferson, forced into three smart saves to keep the score goalless. Botafogo failed to utilize the wings and their build-up play was far too compressed in the middle of the park.
That changed in the second half, and just six minutes after the restart, Botafogo went in front. Gilberto crossed, the ball struck Elias and Rafael Marques found the back of the net.
However, Goiás did not lie down and began to take the fight to their hosts, Jefferson saving yet again, this time from Renan Oliveira. Nevertheless, he could not prevent André Bahia’s unfortunate error. Again Renan Oliveira caused the danger, Bahia converting his cross into his own net. On the balance of play, it was no less than Goiás deserved.
In other games, Flamengo and Fluminense meet in the first Fla-Flu at the renovated Maracanã this afternoon. Vasco play away to Coritiba.
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