By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The 25th round of the 2012 Brasileirão came and went without a single victory for Rio’s four clubs. After Fluminense’s setback yesterday, there was no better luck for the three remaining Carioca outfits as none managed to register a victory in a round for the first time this season.
Yesterday afternoon, Vasco drew 1-1 with Cruzeiro in new coach Marcelo Oliveira’s first game in charge. The Vascaínos had fallen behind after only three minutes when Renato Silva put through his own net, but Nilton leveled after 27 minutes.
Vasco would have won the game but for Tenorio’s disallowed goal in the second half. The point maintained Vasco in the G-4 however as they continue to fight for a Libertadores spot next year.
Meanwhile, Flamengo stopped the rot with a 1-1 draw against Grêmio at the Engenhão. The point put an end to a run of four successive defeats but the Rubro-Negro remain just four points above the trapdoor.
It looked like a familiar tale when Bolivian international Marcelo Moreno gave the visitors the lead after seventeen minutes. But a wonderful strike from youngster Adryan brought the game level on the hour mark.
It was a much needed point for Fla, but the side will need to return to winning ways soon to avoid any more danger. If they can get Adriano firing on all cylinders, then his partnership with Vagner Love could prove crucial to their survival hopes.
Finally, Botafogo drew 0-0 away to Ponte Preta to stretch their unbeaten run to five games. The Glorioso are just four points off a G-4 place and seem to have recovered from their mid-season slumber.
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