The goals of the match were scored by Pedro Raul, from the volley deep in extra time in the second half. Just when Botafogo thought they had secured the win, Gabigol, from the penalty spot secured a point for Flamengo in the last kicks of the game.
The video referee played a decisive role in the match.
In the 29th minute of the second half, VAR entered the scene to cancel the goal scored by Gabigol. As the images showed, Bruno Henrique touched the ball with his hand at the beginning of the play.
Pedro Raul thought he had won the game for Botafogo late in the extra time of the second half. He came from the bench and went on to score a beautiful volley after a cut by Filipe Luis.
That goal should normally have been the winner but there was more drama to come. In the final moments of the game, VAR was again important. This time, it was in favor of Flamengo, pointing to Marcelo Benevenuto’s hand touch. That foul was what led to the penalty that was eventually converted by Gabigol. Flamengo were lucky to take a point home and they can count themselves lucky to escape a defeat.
With the tie, Botafogo lie in eleventh position, with six points collected from four games. They are still yet to lose a game in the current campaign.
On the other hand, Flamengo lie in 13th place, with five points claimed so far. Botafogo’s next challenge in the Championship is against Inter next Saturday at Nilton Santos while Flamengo will visit Santos next Sunday at Vila Belmiro.
