By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Vasco da Gama beat Atlético-MG 2-0 in the fourth round of the 2013 Campeonato Brasileiro last night. Despite being distinct underdogs, the Cariocas recorded a shock victory as they attempt to rebuild from financial difficulties.
Meanwhile, there was no such success for two other Carioca clubs in action yesterday. Botafogo suffered the first league defeat of the season, whilst Flamengo‘s early season form went from bad to worse against Náutico.
Nevertheless, there were only positives for Vasco. Goals from Alisson and Abuda, as well as a spirited performance, gave the Cruz-Maltino all three points against one of the strongest sides in the country.
Atlético were missing key players Réver, Bernard and Ronaldinho, but that couldn’t spoil Vasco’s party. Coach Paulo Autuori recorded his second success of the national season as he battles just to keep Vasco in the first division.
Jorginho, the coach at Flamengo, could be in the same boat after watching his side defeated 1-0 by Náutico. The Rubro-Negro rarely looked a threat as they went down to another side tipped for relegation come the end of the season. The win allowed Náutico to move off the foot of the table.
However, the night’s biggest shock came as Bahia overcame Botafogo 2-1. The Rio club had taken the lead but were pegged back, Fernandão’s near-post effort settling the tie.
Tonight Fluminense, who have lost playmaker Wellington Nem and left-back Carlinhos to Ukrainian club, Shakhtar Donetsk and Turkish outfit, Galatasaray, respectively, travel south to face Curitiba. A win could see the Tricolor go top.
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