Meanwhile, Fluminense were the first of the Serie A giants in action, taking on a Macaé side that went into the game boasting a 100% record in the second stage of the Carioca state championship.
Nethertheless, the Tricolor were still considered as over-whelming favourites, but perhaps underestimated their opponents, having suffered a 3-1 defeat at Moça Bonita. See full report here.
In the early Sunday kick-off, a second string Flamengo side managed to scrape a 1-0 win against Friburguense. The Rubro Negro’s goal came courtesy from ex-Manchester United midfielder Kléberson, who beat the offside trap, before coolly slotting his finish under the legs of the keeper.
Later, Botafogo took on Vasco in the game of the round, and managed to emerge as 3-1 winners at the Engenhão. Fellype Gabriel gave the Fogão the lead in the 33rd minute, finishing off Elkeson’s cross from the right wing, before finding the back of the net again just moments later.
Straight after the half-time, Fellipe Bastos managed to pull one back for Vasco, scoring a sensational free-kick from thirty yards out – undoubtedly a contender for goal of the month.
The Cruz de Malta pressed on for the equaliser, but the night belonged to Fellype Gabriel. In the 71st minute, the 26-year-old midfielder bagged his hat-trick, scoring a simple tap-in from three yards outs, earning Botafogo all three points.
Taça Rio: Round 4 Results
Olaria 2-0 Volta Redonda
Madureira 0-1 Bangu
Fluminense 1-3 Macaé
Bonsucesso 2-1 Americano
Friburguense 0-1 Flamengo
Duque de Caxias 1-1 Resende
Boavista 1-2 Nova Iguaçu
Botafogo 3-1 Vasco
