Botafogo thrashes Vasco, overcomes crisis and moves closer to the top four.
With a tribute to Zagallo, the match ended with a score of 4-0 at Engenho.
Botafogo achieved a resounding 4-0 victory in Sunday night's derby at Engenhão against Vasco. The scoreline can be considered surprising given the recent results of both teams. Vasco had been on the rise in the Brazilian Championship, while Botafogo seemed to be in crisis after their midweek defeat to Figueirense. Now, Botafogo has moved up to sixth place in the standings, while Vasco remains in fourth.
Judging by the distribution of the crowd at Engenhão, one could get an idea of who was the favorite in the Rio derby. Vasco's fans were in much greater numbers and were waving their flags minutes before the game started. On the Botafogo side, there was less euphoria and plenty of criticism of coach Caio Júnior. Shortly before the game, a tribute was paid to Zagallo, who turns 80 this Tuesday and will have a statue erected in the stadium.
Everything changed once the ball started rolling. Just 10 minutes in, defender Antônio Carlos anticipated Rômulo and precisely finished off a corner kick taken by Renato. The goal gave Botafogo authority, and they began to play with more confidence, receiving support from their fans.
Vasco were not intimidated and went in search of an equalizer. Goalkeeper Jefferson had his work cut out for him and stood out with two good saves in the first half. While coach Ricardo Gomes was yelling at his players to correct their marking, full-back Cortês saw Herrera unmarked and launched the ball. The striker shot, Fernando Prass parried, and Loco Abreu finished, extending the lead.
Vasco barely had time to recover from the scare. Elkeson gifted the ball to Loco, who scored again in the 40th minute.
With a 3-0 lead at halftime, Botafogo returned from the break determined to control possession and avoid exposing themselves. Even so, the team created several opportunities, and Fernando Prass prevented at least three goals.
Botafogo's situation became more comfortable when Diego Souza was sent off in the 22nd minute of the second half. Vasco, completely demoralized, watched their opponent dictate the pace of the game. In the end, Renato advanced stylishly through the middle and left Herrera in front of Prass. The Argentinian didn't miss: Botafogo 4-0.