With Elkeson and Maicosuel inspiring the Botafogo attack, the Carioca team came flying out the blocks and were unlucky not to take the lead after just four minutes of play when Marcelo Mattos had a goal disallowed for a non-existant infringement.
The goal was to come shortly though and it was little surprise to see Elkeson providing the assist. The attacking midfielder has been a revelation this season and having broken down the right, his deflected cross was turned in by the head of Uruguayan Loco Abreu.
It would only get worse for Corinthians as midway through the half, Botafogo doubled their advantage. Cortês stole back possession for his side, before Maicosuel took advantage of the sleeping Corinthians defence to cut inside and score past the helpless Júlio César. It was all too easy for the Rio side.
Corinthians had a couple of opportunities to pull one back before the break, as Alex went close with a free kick, before Danilo also missed a good opportunity. Botafogo were well on top and deserving of their advantage.
The second half was a tale of Botafogo’s brave resistance, with Marcelo Mattos pulling off two heroic blocks even before the dismissal of left-back Cortês in the 59th minute.
Corinthians piled forward; Alex clipped the crossbar with a free-kick, whilst Paulo André had a couple of great late chances but was well denied by Renan.
The win for Botafogo means that both themselves and Vasco can go top should they win their games in hand. For Corinthians, the lack of available striking options was telling, in the absence of Liédson and Emerson Sheik.
