By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A late Eduardo da Silva goal gave Flamengo a 1-0 victory over Sport Recife at the Maracanã yesterday afternoon (Sunday, August 10th) in the fourteenth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. It was the veteran striker’s first goal for the Rubro-Negro since joining the club last month, and puts the side back within touching distance of those outside the relegation zone.
After the hiring of coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, it was the Gavea outfit’s second victory in three matches. The points give fans hope that survival is a viable option with 24 rounds remaining, after their worst start to a Brasileirão campaign in over forty years.
In truth, it was a game low on technical quality. Neither side managed to dominate and perhaps a draw would have been the fairest result. But Eduardo’s headed effort, in the 84th minute, separated the sides. The win means Flamengo move on to thirteen points from fourteen outings.
In the next round, Fla head south to visit Coritiba. Another three points could be enough to lift them free of the drop zone.
Meanwhile, Botafogo’s problems went from bad to worse with a 2-0 defeat to Atlético-PR at the Arena da Baixada. One more loss means the Glorioso are now only out of the relegation zone thanks to goal difference.
Strikers at the end of each half were sufficient to give the home side the points. Cléo struck in injury time of the first half before Douglas Coutinho wrapped up the win in the 92nd minute.
The result left the home side within touching distance of the G-4. Botafogo, meanwhile, are left with a mountain to climb both on and off the pitch as they simultaneously attempt to steer themselves clear of the relegation zone and pay their players’ salaries on time.
Campeonato Brasileiro Round 14 Results in Full:
Bahia 1-0 Goiás
Criciúma 0-0 Cruzeiro
Fluminense 1-1 Coritiba
Flamengo 1-0 Sport Recife
Santos 0-1 Corinthians
Atlético-PR 2-0 Botafogo
Internacional 2-0 Grêmio
São Paulo 3-1 Vitória
Atlético-MG 2-1 Palmeiras
Chapecoense 0-1 Figueirense
Read more (in Portuguese).
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