With intense competition at the top, Carioca may have the highest score for the semifinals in the current format

Botafogo (against Portuguesa, at 21:10, in Raulino de Oliveira) and Volta Redonda (against Boavista, in Saquarema, at the same time) are starting to decide who will have the two remaining places in the semifinals of Carioca — Flamengo is already guaranteed and Fluminense is virtually classified. Regardless of the results, the definition will only come out this Thursday, when Vasco, who is also in the fight, will go to the field. The only certainty is that the three helped make the current edition the most disputed at the top. Everything points to the fourth-placed scoring being the highest of all times the championship has been played in this format.

Currently, Volta Redonda closes the G4 of the Guanabara Cup, with 19 points. Botafogo has the same score, but takes the worst in the tiebreaker. It has a goal difference of eight, against 12 of its competitor.

In four editions played with 12 teams and four places in the semifinals, the team that finished fourth with the highest score was Volta Redonda itself, with 21 in 2021. As the two still need to score more to guarantee themselves in the decisive phase, it is very likely that this mark will be surpassed.

The most comfortable situation is that of the club in the south of the state. In fact, the greater competitiveness this year is precisely due to its good performance. After being relegated — and then rising — last year, the aurinegro has made a semifinalist campaign so far. And put pressure on Botafogo and Vasco, who stumbled more than the Fla-Flu duo.

A simple victory confirms Volta Redonda in the semifinals – as long as it is not surpassed on goal difference. Even if they tie, they can still qualify tonight if the alvinegro stumbles. Or you can count on a defeat by Vasco to Bangu, on Thursday – the cross-Maltines have 20 points and have the same goal difference. Already if you lose, you will need Botafogo to be overcome by Portuguesa.

For Botafogo, the possibilities are smaller. In addition to winning this Wednesday, he needs Volta Redonda or Vasco to stumble. If they tie, they’ll have to root for Voltaço to lose to Boavista or for the Cruz-Maltinos to be defeated by five goals apart.

Last year, Botafogo managed to take the last place in the semifinals, with 20 points. Same score as the Americano, fourth place in 2003, the other edition of the State Championship with this format.

Scores for the Guanabara Cup 4th place in the current format:

• 2023 (in progress) – Volta Redonda, with 19 points
• 2022 – Botafogo, with 20 points
• 2021 – Volta Redonda, with 21 points
• 2003 – American, with 20 points