Campeonato Carioca – Taça Rio: Round 8 Review

The Tricolor managed to thrash Olaria 5-1 on Sunday, thanks to goals from Deco, Anderson, Thiago Neves and a brace from Rafael Moura. But unfortunately for Abel Braga's side, that was not enough as Vasco and Bangu secured the top two positions in Group B.

Vasco took on Nova Iguaçu and managed to emerge as convincing 3-1 winners despite missing a number of regular first-team players through suspension. Two goals from Alecsandro and one from Rômulo was enough for the Cruz de Malta to see off their lowly opponents.

Having been eliminated in heart breaking fashion in the Copa Libertadors last week, Flamengo gave their fans something to cheer about on Sunday as they claimed a 3-1 victory over Americano at the Engenhão. Two goals from Deivid and one from former Manchester United midfielder, Kléberson, were enough for the Rubro Negro to progress into the semi-finals as Group A winners.

Botafogo, who confirmed their place in the semi-finals last weekend, were held to a 1-1 draw by Boavista at São Januário. Caio gave the Fogão the lead scoring a header just after the break, but his effort was cancelled out by former Fluminense and Palmeiras forward, Lenny, in the final quarter of the game.

Taça Rio: Round 8 Results

Flamengo 3-1 Americano

Nova Iguaçu 1-3 Vasco

Macaé 0-1 Volta Redonda

Resende 0-3 Bangu

Fluminense 5-1 Olaria

Friburguense 0-0 Bonsucesso

Duque de Caxias 1-4 Madureira

Boavista 1-1 Botafogo

Taça Rio Semi-Finals

21/04 - Bangu v Botafogo

22/04 - Vasco v Flamengo