By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Two goals from Elkeson lifted Botafogo to fourth in the 2012 Campeonato Brasileirão after a shock 3-1 over new Libertadores champions Corinthians at the Pacaembu last night. The Paulistas started the game in party mode with almost 26,000 inside the stadium, but the Carioca side soon killed the mood as their swift counter-attacking ploy paid rich dividends.
While Botafogo have climbed into the top four, Corinthians remain in a worrying position; the Timão lie in 19th with just five points collected from eight matches. For Fogo, the days continue to get better.
A sense of euphoria has surrounded the club since the arrival of Dutch maestro Clarence Seedorf, whose presence at the club has inspired them to two successive victories. From the off, Corinthians looked to be suffering from a Libertadores hangover.
Botafogo were hungrier and snapped at their opponents’ heels, which didn’t initially lead to chances created. But on 26 minutes, Paulo André diverted Andrezinho’s cross into his own goal for the lead. Corinthians responded by pushing further up the field but only succeeded in making themselves prey for the counter.
And on the counter Botafogo made the score 3-0 and put the game beyond doubt. Elkeson finished like a natural center-forward, first from Lucas’ beautiful pass and then from Andrezinho’s tee-up. The Paulistas scored a late consolation penalty but the Cariocas were the celebration of the night.
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