Vasco were the first of the Carioca giants to take to field on Saturday, and managed to cruise to a comfortable 4-1 victory against Macaé. First-half goals from Diego Souza, Eder Luis and a brace from Juninho Pernabucano was enough for the Cruz de Malta to claim the points and to regain their place at the top of Group B.
On Sunday, Flamengo also found their way to the summit of their group after emerging as 2-1 winners against Bangu. Vagner Love found the back of the net twice in the first-half, before Sergio Junior’s converted header had forced the Rubro Negro to cling on for the last fifteen minutes of the game.
In the late Sunday kick-off, Fluminense and Botafogo played out a 1-1 draw in a very tight affair at the Engenhão.
It was the Alvinegro that went ahead in the 17th minute, thanks to ex-Vitoria midfielder, Elkeson, finishing with a classy chip over former Liverpool goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri.
But unsurprisingly it was Fred who grabbed the equaliser for Fluminense ten minutes before half-time, sliding in at the near post to finish off Wellington Nem’s cut-back.
Chances came few and far between for both sides in the second-half, but German Herrera did go close in the dying seconds of the game for Botafogo, only for his header to be denied by the post much to the delight of the Tricolor fans.
The result puts Fluminense in third place in Group B with seven points – two points behind Bangu in second, whilst Botafogo drop to second place in Group A with fourteen points – one point behind leaders Flamengo.
Taça Rio: Round 6 Results
Nova Iguaçu 0-0 Volta Redonda
Macaé 1-4 Vasco
Resende 2-1 Americano
Boavista 1-2 Olaria
Flamengo 2-1 Bangu
Friburguense 1-1 Madureira
Duque de Caxias 2-1 Bosucesso
Fluminense 1-1 Botafogo
