Botafogo Triumph In Biggest Derby In Years
Botafogo reigned supreme in the Alvinegro derby, dealing out a 4-2 smashing over bitter city rivals and Rio de Janeiro titans Vasco da Gama, in a match being described as one of the best ever in the history of the Rio State Championship.
Estrela Solitaria fans were jubilant at the final whistle, in what was being billed as one of the matches of the season. Vasco had made the better start to the season but Botafogo's raw skill and tactical nous was enough to get them over the line in a tough battle.
The scoreboard may reflect a close hard fought game but the truth was that it was all Botafogo. They topped Vasco on the stats sheet, with 25 shots to 6 and 56% possession. Vasco fans cannot hide from the fact that they were completely overrun in the derby.
Player-manager Clarence Seedorf, 37, opened the scoring to light up the Botafogo section of the Maracanã after tapping in a cross from the left. But only five minutes later key player Edmilson equalised with a powerful effort for Vasco.
And the tide looked to have completely turned in favour of Vasco, as Dankler powered home a bullet of a shot into the roof of the net. This was sure a test of Botafogo's resilience, and they complied.
Only eight minutes later Seedorf scored what may prove to be one of the goals of the season as he curled an effort into the near post from what seemed too far out to score from. And Botafogo completed a four minute double salvo to hit the lead once more after Renato scored a glancing header past the helpless Michel Alves.
No side could not break each other down fully, although every time Botafogo surged forward it looked like another goal. Seedorf hit the post a remarkable three times while Lucas, Cidinho and Renato all had efforts turned away.
But it was the Uruguayan Lodeiro who completed the rout, as he slotted home a shot from a tight angle to seal an emphatic victory.
Social Network Reaction
Here is the reaction from Botafogo fans across social networks in the aftermath of the game.
Calisto Soares
What a win! As a loyal Fogo fan, this is one the highlights of the season already! Vai Estrela Solitaria!
Paulo Antunes
There is only one team in Rio! That is Botafogo, what a win today against a team like Vasco!:D We can retain our title this season, no doubt!
Walter Lemos
A thorough domination of a team like Vasco is something every Botafogo fan should be supremely proud about. Bring on Fluminense!
Leonardo Marques@LMarques8787
@Botafogo Oficial What a game. One for the history books #BotaVasco #AlvinegroDerby #Triumphant
Alexandre Botelho@AlexBotelho
@BotafogoOficial This is a moment to savour - one to cherish for the rest of our lives! #VaiEstrelaSolitaria #BotaVasco #AlvinegroDerby
Sandro Filho@SandroFogo99
@BotafogoOficial One of the best games I've ever seen. What humiliation for them :D#Humiliation #AlvinegroDerby #BotaVasco