Vasco edged past Botafogo in a battle for safety in the relegation zone. Goals from Talles Magno, Andrey and a penalty goal from Pikachu saw the home side move three points away from the drop zone.
Luxembourg’s team in his second match as the head coach didn’t give a spectacular performance. However, they were able to get into the game and get the result they wanted. Talles Magno opened the scoring in the 22nd minute of the game after a brilliant transition of play in the opposition’s goal area. The young forward was able to meet Henrique’s cross with a header and draw first blood.
The home side first half performance was what they wanted but their second period was a little off. Even with that, they were still able to get two goals in the second period.
Botafogo came back stronger after the break and came close to getting the equalizer. Henrique constantly made some defensive saves to keep his side in the mix and ahead with the lone goal.
Eventually, Andrey doubled Vasco’s advantage from a well struck volley at the edge of the 18-yard box. The game was put beyond any doubt when they were awarded a penalty which was taken and scored by Pikachu right before the final whistle was blown. Botafogo were just not up to it and recorded their third successive loss.
With the win, Vasco goes up one place and sit in 15th place behind Sport Recife with a game in hand. They are three points away from the relegation zone and they will go head-to-head at home against Coritiba in the next round on Saturday.
Botafogo still sits in 19th place after the defeat, having lost three consecutive games. They travel to Vila Belmiro to face Santos also on Saturday.
