By Lisa Flueckiger, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Two rounds before the end of the 2014 Brasileirão Cruzeiro was crowned champion after a 2×1 win over Goiás in the Mineirão stadium. It is the second title in a row for the club from Belo Horizonte and the fourth in total. Goals were scored by Ricardo Goulart and Everton Ribeiro, after the guests had equaled the score in between.
Cruzeiro also hopes to add a second title to their collection this year in next week’s Copa do Brasil final against state-rivals Atlético-MG. The first leg was won by Atlético with a 2×0 score.
For the Carioca clubs the weekend had ended less fortunate, as none of them came out victorious. Both Flamengo and Fluminense drew their games and Botafogo even lost.
Flamengo had played bottom of the table Criciúma on Sunday (November 23rd) at the Maracanã. The game ended in a 1×1 draw, leading to the relegation of Criciúma next year to the Serie B. They are the first team to be definitely a league lower in the next season.
Fluminense had confronted Sport in Recife and were lucky to gain a point, as Fred only scored the 2×2 equalizer in the 92nd minute. The attacker has scored fifteen goals this season and will be one of the contenders for top scorer.
Fluminense is still hoping to achieve a G-4 spot although they are five points behind current fourth placed Internacional. Flamengo with ten points less than the tricolor, will finish the season in the middle of the table.
At the bottom of the table, Botafogo has failed to secure vital points in their fight against relegation. They lost 0x2 against fellow bottom spot Chapecoense and now need the help of Palmeiras for a chance to remain in the Serie A.
Two rounds before the end, the Glorioso are six points away from fifth but last Palmeiras, so their only chance of staying in the top leagues is two win their last two games, while the Paulista club doesn’t get any points. However, the last time the team has scored was on October 25th.
On a more positive note, Vasco da Gama will rejoin the first division in 2015 after a 1×1 draw against Icasa. The fans however were a little disappointed with the team’s minimal performance and booed their players despite the achievement.