By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The seventh round of the Campeonato Carioca drew to an end yesterday, with Vasco held to a 1-1 draw by Nova Iguaçu. The previous day, Fluminense beat Flamengo 3-0 while Botafogo slipped 1-0 to Friburguense.
Vasco’s draw meant they missed the chance to go top of the table. Having taken the lead through a fortuitous own goal, a 91st minute Nova Iguaçu equalizer left Vasco in third place.
The result was a fair one, as the Cruz-Maltino played poorly and created little in the searing heat. Nova Iguaçu are now only one point off the top four and a place in the knock-out stages of the state tournament.
Following the euphoria of their qualification for the Copa Libertadores group stages, Botafogo were brought back down to earth with defeat against Friburguense. Coach Hungaro fielded a reserve side prior to Tuesday’s continental clash with Argentine outfit San Lorenzo, but would still have expected better from his side.
The Glorioso took the game to their less distinguished opponents but failed to find a way through. Just 693 fans attended the game, a record low in the Campeonato Carioca, once again asking the question of the validity of the state tournament. With just five points so far, Botafogo are in danger of failing to qualify for the semi-finals. Their next state encounter is against Bonsucesso.
Campeonato Carioca Round 7 Results in Full:
Botafogo 0-1 Friburguense
Madureira 2-1 Cabofriense
Flamengo 0-3 Fluminense
Bonsucesso 1-1 Resende
Nova Iguaçu 1-1 Vasco
Bangu 0-2 Macaé
Audax 0-0 Volta Redonda
Boavista 4-1 Duque de Caxias
Read more (in Portuguese).
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