By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Flamengo eased themselves clear of the 2012 Brasileirão relegation zone with a 2-1 win over Atlético-GO yesterday afternoon. Despite falling behind in a tough encounter, goals from debutant Cleber Santana and Liedson gave the Rubro-Negro a much needed three points in their battle against the drop and ended a run of seven games without a win.
Elsewhere in Rio, Botafogo drew 2-2 with Corinthians at the Engenhão Stadium in a topsy-turvy duel. Veteran Seedorf put in a man-of-the-match performance with both goals for the Alvinegro.
The Dutch international put them ahead after just five minutes but Guerrero leveled for the Paulistas less than two minutes later. It looked like Botafogo may suffer once again from their indifferent home form when Douglas gave the visitors the lead after only twelve minutes of play.
However Seedorf was on hand to rescue a point. Receiving the ball from Lodeiro, he cut inside from the left flank and his curling effort took a deflection to deceive Cassio and find the far corner.
Vasco drew for the second successive game under new coach Marcelo Oliveira, this time 0-0 with Ponte Preta. The game had few opportunities and a solitary point was of little use to the Carioca club, who have São Paulo breathing down their necks after a 1-0 win over Cruzeiro.
Next Sunday sees Brazil’s most famous classico, the Fla-Flu, grace the city once again as Fluminense look to extend their lead at the top at the expense of arch-rivals Flamengo.
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