By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRZIL – Vasco, Fluminese and Flamengo all picked up three points yesterday in the ninth round of the Campeonato Carioca. The results leave Fluminense and Flamengo tied at the top with 22 points, while Vasco sit third.
First to play yesterday was Vasco, who comfortably beat Bangu 2-0 at Moça Bonita stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Vasco fielded a reserve side but still had too much for the team from the suburbs.
Thalles and Montoya came off the bench to score the goals that saw Vasco continue their good form in the tournament. New signing Douglas, who arrived from Corinthians last week, played his second game and put in another encouraging display.
Fred scored his first goal in 195 days as Fluminense beat Macaé 1-0. The win meant Flu stayed ahead of archrivals, Flamengo, on goal difference. The goal arrived midway through the first half.
Conca’s free-kick found Gu, who headed the ball across the six-yard box. Fred outmuscled his marker to head the game’s only goal, breaking his six-month drought. The Macaé players complained of a push by Fred but the goal stood.
The Flu fans asked for Walter, who had scored three goals in his last two games. He came on for Rafael Sóbis with thirteen minutes to go but could not get on the scoresheet last night.
Finally, Flamengo beat Madureira 2-0 to stay level with Flu. The Rubro-Negro also put out a second string but had enough in the tank to get to the finish line. An own goal and a strike from Negueba kept Fla on Fluminense’s coattails. The race for top spot is getting down to the wire.
Tonight, Botafogo host Volta Redonda at the Maracanã Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:30 PM.
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.