Vasco wins Botafogo, ends a series of nine defeats in classics and enters the G4 of Carioca

It was a victory to mark the so-called new Basque era. With the 2-0 over Botafogo, in Maracanã, the Cruz-Maltinos left behind a script so associated with the recent past of serial frustrations. Vasco, now SAF, ended the biggest fast in classics in its history and celebrated the first victory against one of its biggest rivals since 2021.

And the opponent before which this taboo fell could not be more representative. In this period of nine consecutive defeats, Botafogo won the most against Cruz-Maltinos (four times). Now with the highest confidence, Vasco still has Flamengo ahead (on March 5, 5). Before, however, debut in the Copa do Brasil against Trem-AP, on the 23rd, and face Boavista, on the 27th, in São Januário, for the State Championship.

To complete the good news, Vasco da Gama still entered the classification zone for the semifinal. They overtook Volta Redonda and took fourth place, with 14 points, with two rounds to go.

Alvinegros, on the other hand, regret the lost opportunity to take the lead. They continue with 16 points and in second place, with one less than leader Flamengo. In the next round, on the 25th, the two will have a direct confrontation ahead.

Despite the defeat, it cannot be said that the alvinegros leave with their heads down. Quite the opposite. Especially because Vasco’s victory was mainly due to Vasco’s numerical superiority, who played with two more throughout the second half.

Botafogo’s drama began in the 11th minute of the game, when Adryelson received a direct red card for taking down Alex Teixeira, who was walking free towards the alvinegra area. Afterwards, the team still lost Philipe Sampaio, who had to be replaced after collapsing on the field alone and losing consciousness. He woke up soon after, but had to be taken to a hospital as a precaution.

Rafael’s expulsion, already in the additions of the final stage, for attacking defensive midfielder Barros, ended the black and white resistance. Goalkeeper Lucas Perri made a series of difficult saves. But he couldn’t do anything with Alex Teixeira’s headers, at 10; and Pedro Raul, at 25.