By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Fluminense were the only Carioca team to win as the 25th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro took place this past weekend. There were defeats for Botafogo and Flamengo, with the former continuing to hover perilously close to the relegation zone.
Fluminense secured an excellent result, beating title chasing São Paulo 3-1 at the Estádio Morumbí. A leading performance from captain Fred helped the Rio club on their way, with the No. 9 opening the scoring early in the second half.
Seleção striker Alexandre Pato equalised for the Paulistas less than five minutes later, despite Alan Kardec, who provided the cross, appearing to be in an offside position. But Flu refused to let the blow put them off their stride.
Taking control of the game, the Tricolor retook the lead on 72 minutes when Wágner freed himself from the attentions of Auro to drive an angled shot into the far corner and beyond a despairing Rogério Ceni. Darío Conca wrapped up the points in injury time with a perfectly executed free-kick.
Botafogo are just a point above the drop zone after losing 2-0 to Grêmio at the Maracanã. An impressive display from Argentina forward Barcos helped the Gaúchos take all three points and left their hosts looking nervously over their shoulders.
In truth, Botafogo were dreadful from start to finish. Goalkeeper Jefferson was their only silver lining, and without the international stopper Grêmio’s win margin could have been significantly greater.
Finally, a brace from Emmanuel Biancucchi helped Bahia beat Flamengo 2-1 at the Arena Fonte Nova. Following an excellent run of five victories when Vanderlei Luxemburgo arrived at the club, the Rubro-Negro have now gone four games without a win and are still not free from the threat of relegation.
Campeonato Brasileiro Round 25 Results in Full:
Sport Recife 0-0 Cruzeiro
Chapecoense 1-1 Criciúma
São Paulo 1-3 Fluminense
Botafogo 0-2 Grêmio
Atlético-PR 1-0 Corinthians
Atlético-MG 2-0 Vitória
Bahia 2-1 Flamengo
Santos 2-0 Goiás
Internacional 4-2 Coritiba
Figueirense 3-1 Palmeiras
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