By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Neither Flamengo nor Botafogo managed to pick up three points yesterday in the seventh round of the 2014 Campeonato Brasileiro. The situation is becoming critical for both clubs, who have managed just a single win each in seven outings so far, and face the real prospect of a relegation dogfight for the remainder of the season.
A dire game at the Morumí stadium ended goalless between Santos and Flamengo. The Rio club could have snatched what would have been an undeserved victory at the death, only for Paulinho to lift his shot onto the crossbar with the gaping goal at his mercy.
Santos, the home side, left the field at the final whistle booed by their own fans after an incompetent display. But in truth both sides were as bad as each other on an afternoon which was a poor advert for domestic Brazilian football.
Botafogo let the lead slip against Vitória to draw 1-1 at the Moacyrzão in Macaé. The dropped points mean the Glorioso remain in the relegation zone, their dreadful start to the national campaign dragging onwards.
Emerson Sheik put the Cariocas ahead with a fine effort just before the break. Chesting down a weak clearance, he struck a volley from the edge of the penalty area past Wilson in the Vitória goal. Yet it was too good to last. Midway through the second half Dinei equalized from close range, capitalizing on some slack Botafogo defending to tap home unmarked.
Campeonato Brasileiro Round Seven Results in Full:
Bahia 0-1 Fluminense
São Paulo 1-0 Grêmio
Sport Recife 1-4 Corinthians
Santos 0-0 Flamengo
Atlético-PR 2-0 Coritiba
Figueirense 0-1 Goiás
Botafogo 1-1 Vitória
Atlético-MG 0-0 Criciúma
Internacional 1-3 Cruzeiro
Chapecoense 2-0 Palmeiras
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