By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A Hernane goal gave Flamengo a 1-0 win over rivals Botafogo in the state 2013 Campeonato Carioca tournament, giving the Rubro-Negro the best record in the competition so far. With 19 points from a possible 21, Flamengo have guaranteed first place in Group B of the Taça Guanabara, securing their passage to the tournament’s semi-finals.
Hernane’s early strike was his eighth of the campaign and gives the team hope they will not miss Vagner Love when the national Campeonato Brasileiro tournament kicks off in May. The former fan favorite moved back to Russian outfit CSKA Moscow in January.
Botafogo had chances to level but were guilty of profligacy in front of goal. Despite the defeat, Fogão remain top of Group A with 14 points, one ahead of second placed Vasco who beat Audax 2-0.
The game’s only goal arrived in just the third minute. Bota failed to clear a corner from the left and a header back across the six yard line fell to Hernane who poked home from close range..
Fluminense also picked up three points with a comfortable 3-1 win over Volta Redonda. A brace from Samuel and another from Marcos Júnior were enough for Flu to remain second in Group B on 15 points.
The Tricolor play their first home game of this year’s Copa Libertadores against fellow Brazilian side Grêmio at the Engenhão Stadium.
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