Botafogo was ahead twice, but did not maintain the advantage and ended up in a 2-2 draw with Santos, in the 30th round of the Brazilian Championship. This Sunday’s draw (26) between the two black and white teams, at the Nilton Santos Stadium, was broadcast live by National Radio.
Glorioso was at 47 points, in sixth place, last within the Libertadores classification zone (the so-called G-6). Peixe, with 32 points, remains in 16th place as the last team outside another zone, relegation to Series B, which encompasses the four worst campaigns in the competition (the Z-4). Alvinegro Praiano has one point more than Vitória, in 17th place.
Twenty-two seconds. That’s what Botafogo needed to open the scoring in Rio de Janeiro. Following a ball stolen by midfielder Danilo in defense, Jeffinho advanced from the left and launched fellow striker Joaquín Correa. He received it behind defender Adonis Frías and finished past goalkeeper Gabriel Brazão, scoring the fastest goal in the Brasileirão, surpassing the one scored by Atlético-MG against Ceará, last Saturday (25).
Santos equalized in the 25th minute. After a cross from Igor Vinícius from the right, fellow full-back Souza, in the small area, anticipated Newton and sent it into the net. Glorioso, however, regained the advantage in the 38th minute. In a new attack from the left, Correa played with Jeffinho and hit Brazão’s angle.
Botafogo came back from the break pressing, but stopped by Brazão’s defenses and ended up suffering a draw. In the 22nd minute, Souza was brought down by full-back Vitinho in the area. The penalty was awarded and striker Álvaro Barreal, taking the penalty, left everything the same. The duel was balanced and busy after the new equality, but the score did not change any further.
In another game this Sunday afternoon, Grêmio beat Juventude na Arena, in Porto Alegre, 3-1. Striker Carlos Vinícius scored three goals for Tricolor and full-back Igor Formiga scored for Alviverde. Imortal had 39 points, taking 11th place. The Serra Gaúcha team, with 26 points, is in 19th place, in the relegation zone, six points behind Santos.
