By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Fluminense and Flamengo both picked up three points in the third round of the Taça Rio last night. Fluminense comfortably overcame Macaé 3-1 while Flamengo defeated a tricky Bangu side 2-1.
A hat-trick from youngster Michael gave Fluminense victory at São Januário. The Tricolor found themsevles a goal down after quarter of an hour but three goals in twenty minutes from their promising striker secured the points.
Flu now sit top of Group B with seven points from three games. They host Boavista on Saturday as they look to book a place in the tournament’s semi-finals.
Flamengo were also forced to come from behind but came away victorious after a poor performance. The game started disastrously for the Rubro-Negro as Sérgio Junior put the underdogs ahead after just three minutes.
Rodolfo levelled midway through the first period with a magnificently angled drive from the right-hand side of the penalty area. Bangu keeper Getúlio Vargas failed to get near the ball as it flew past him.
But Fla stuttered through the second half and looked to be heading for a second successive draw under new coach Jorginho until the 87th minute. Left back João Paulo’s long-range free-kick evaded everyone to find the far corner and give Mengo the narrowest of winning margins.
Finally,Vasco are still without victory in the Taça Rio after a goalless draw with Olaria. In Paulo Autouri’s first game in charge the Cruz-Maltino failed to find the back of the net for the fourth straight game. The side sit next to bottom in Group A with little chance of qualifying for the knock-out stages.
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