Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara - Week 2

Group A

Bonsucesso 3-1 Maduriera
Macaé 0-0 Flamengo
Nova Iguaçu 0-0 Botafogo
Resende 3-2 Olaria

The big surprise in Group A at the weekend was the failure of the big two to gain victories. Flamengo, with a big game on Wednesday night in the Libertadores ahead of them, again sent out very much a second team and they were held to a goal less draw at Macaé. The same could be said about Botafogo who travelled to Nova Iguaçu and were also held to the same scoreline. Away from the big two, Bonsucesso picked up their first win back in the top flight of Carioca football when they defeated Madureira 3-1. Resende bounced back from their opening day defeat at Botafogo when they were victorious over Olaria. They raced into three goal lead before two late strikes from Allan left them hanging on for dear life for the last two minutes.

Group B

Friburguense 2-1 Bangu
Volta Redonda 0-3 Fluminense
Americano 1-1 Boavista
Duque de Caxias 1-3 Vasco da Gama

Business as usual in Group B as the big two both recorded comfortable victories. Fluminense needed three goals in the last eighteen minutes to see off Volta Redonda with Wellington Nem picking up his first goal since returning from his successful loan spell at Figueirense last year. A strong Vasco side were eventually too strong for Duque de Caxais at the Engenhão. Juninho Pernambucano put Vasco ahead before Gilcimar stunner the complacency out of Vasco with a leveller nine minutes after the break. Alecsandro restored the Vasco lead four minutes later before Diego Souza wrapped things up. Friburguense picked up their first win back in the top flight when two goals from Romulo set up victory agaisnt Bangu. The other game produced the first draw in Group B when Boavista would have been disappointed to let a lead slip against Americano and it finished all square.

Despite being in Libertadores action on Wednesday night Flamengo will back up on Friday night when they face Olaria. They line up like this

Group A

Bonsucesso x Nova Iguaçu
Macaé x Resenda
Madureira x Botafogo
Flamengo x Olaria

Group B

Bangu x Vasco da Gama
Friburguense x Duque de Caxias
Fluminense x Boavista
Volta Redonda x Americano

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara - Week 1

Group A

Flamengo 4-0 Bonsucesso
Botafogo 3-1 Resende
Olaria 0-1 Nova Iguaçu
Madureira 1-0 Macaé

The big two in the Group both got off to victories. Flamengo made light work of promoted Bonsucesso at the Engenhão as they prepared for their midweek Copa Libertadores qualifier in Bolivia. Two goal in the space of three first half minutes from Jael put Flamengo in control before Camacho and Adryan wrapped things up in the second half. The day after the Engenhão witnessed Botafogo make hard work of overcoming Resende. Sebastian Abreu put the Alvinegro ahead but Emerson's leveller on half time stunned the small crowd. Maicosuel restored the Botafogo lead before a second from Abreu wrapped things up. Nova Iguaçu got off to a winning start when Leandrão's goal midway through the second half was enough to give them victory at Olaria. Madureira also made a winning start to the season when Dinei's goal a minute before the break was enough to give them victory over Macaé.


Group B

Fluminense 3-0 Friburguense
Boavista 3-1 Duque de Caxias
Vasco da Gama 2-0 Americano
Bangu 1-2 Volta Redonda

Unlike Flamengo, Fluminense don't get their Libertadores campaign underway for a couple of weeks but they put a strong side out to defeat Friburguense in Bangu. Araújo set the Tricolor on their way after fifteen minutes before Rafael Moura doubled the lead nine minutes before the break. Thiago Carleto got the third six minutes into the second half to give Fluminense a comfortable night. Vasco da Gama start their Libertadores campaign the night after Fluminense and they were comfortable winners over Americano at the Engenhão. Alecsandro put them ahead after half an hour and Fágner doubled the lead ten minutes later. Despite losing Jonathan to a red card sixteen minutes from time Vasco were able to comfortably hold on. Last season's Taça Guanabara runners up Boavista got their campaign off with victory over a Duque de Caxias side which took 30th minutes lead through Gilcimar. Two goals in a minute from Luiz Alberto around the hour but Boavista ahead before Somália grabbed a third fifteen minutes from time. Finally a last minute goal from Volta Redonda ensured that there were no drawn games at the weekend. Bangu took a third minute lead through Tiago Neiva but Joao Gabriel levelled on the hour before Jhonnattann snatched all three points.

With Flamengo in continental action this midweek Round two takes place next weekend and they line up like this

Group A

Bonsucesso x Maduriera
Macaé x Flamengo
Nova Iguaçu x Botafogo
Resende x Olaria

Group B

Friburguense x Bangu
Volta Redonda X Fluminense
Americano x Boavista
Duque de Caxais x Vasco da Gama

Campeonato Carioca 2012

With the Paulista kicking off this weekend the action also gets underway in the other of the state leagues we cover in Brazil. The Campeonato Carioca. The 111th edition kicks off this Saturday afternoon with Flamengo looking to defend both the Taça Guanabara and the Taça Rio.

The sixteen clubs are split into two groups with the Big 4 in Rio, Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, Botafogo and Fluminense seeded so two are in each group. Friburguense return to the top flight after a 12 month absence and they take their place in Group B while Bonsucesso also come into the top flight and they will play in Group A.

The format of the competition is unchanged. The teams are drawn into two groups with the big four seeded two to a group. The first stage is the Taça Guanabara where all the teams play a single round robin against the teams in their group, giving seven games. The top two in each group meet in a single game semi final with a group winner playing the opposite group runner up, which if level goes straight to penalties, before a single game final which again goes to penalties after 90 minutes.

The second stage is the Taça Rio, for this the clubs play every team in the opposite group giving a total of 8 games. As with the Guanabara the top two in each group meet in a single game semi final with a group winner playing the opposite group runner up, which if level goes straight to penalties, before a single game final which again goes to penalties after 90 minutes.

If a team wins both stages, as happened last year with Flamengo, they are automatically crowned state champions and the need for the play off is not required. Otherwise the winners of the Taça Guanabara and Taça Rio meet over two games at the Engenhão with the winners over the two games being crowned State champions.

The Big Four normally fill the play off spots but Boavista surprised everyone last year by making the Taça Guanabara final while Olaria pipped Botafogo to a place in the Taça Rio Semi Finals. This year though things could be a bit different with three of the big four, Botafogo being the exception, have the Copa Libertadores to contend with. Flamengo still have to get through the qualifying stage which starts the week following the opening fixtures. Fluminense and Vasco da Gama have qualified directly in the group stage so their distraction is a possibly great than that of Flamengo.

So the action gets underway this weekend and we'll have a round up of things on Monday

The opening fixtures are

Olaria x Nova Iguaçu        
Madureira x Macaé        
Fluminense x Friburguense        
Flamengo x Bonsucesso
Boavista x Duque de Caxias
Vasco da Gama x Americano        
Bangu x    Volta Redonda        
Botafogo x Resende

That Was The Year That Was

As 2011 draws to a close the CONMEBalls team would like to thank in no particular order

Premier Sports TV – For their support and continued coverage of South American Football in the UK

Will Downing – For the late nights covering the games

Jon Cotterill – For his help during the year and having what would be my dream job

Bira Brasil – For the continuous mentions after we’ve tweeted in during the live games

All our colleagues and friends who also have great websites that pretty much cover what we do and a little bit more as well (see the links section) and if we've missed you off please don't be offended. We love you all.

And most importantly you, the people who take the time to read what we write. We thank you for your continued support.

After this weeks Ex-Pat of the Week we will be taking a short break until the State League action gets underway in Brazil in mid-January and the Copa Libertadores qualifying round towards the end of the month. We look forward to bringing you all the action again in 2012. Our sister site, Euroballs will continue to operate while we hit the beach for some well deserved rest and relaxation.

If you have an interest in a particular area of South American football and would like to share your passion for the Peruvian/Chilean/whichever league, we’d be very happy to accommodate you.

Finally, from all the team at CONMEBalls, we would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2012.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Final

Vasco da Gama 0-0 Flamengo
Flamengo wins 3-1 after penalty competition

Flamengo were crowned champions of the Carioca for the 32nd time yesterday after completing the double of Taça Guanabara and Rio with victory over Vasco da Gama on penalties in from of 38,000 at the Engenhão. The game never lived up to expectations, chances were few and far between with Thiago Neves of Flamengo and Éder Luís of Vasco have the best chances for their sides in the first half. Then in the last minute Allan of Vasco and Willian of Flamengo were given straight red cards after a head to head confrontation.

With no goals in regulation the game went straight to a penalty shoot out, Vasco were first up and Alecsasandro blasted his penalty past Felipe before Renato Abreu levelled for Flamengo. Bernardo then put his penalty wide of the post before Fierro put his into Row Z to keep it level. Felipe Bastos then put his penalty wide before Fernando coolly put Flamengo ahead. Élton then put his penalty wide also after sending Felipe the wrong way to put Flamengo on the hill and Thiago Neves duly stepped up to win the Taça Rio and Campeonato Carioca for Flamengo.

With Flamengo claiming the double of both Guanabara and Rio it means they are automatically crowned State Champions and for the second year in a row there is no need for the play off to crown the State Champions.

Trofeu Carlos Alberto Torres

Boavista 1-3 Madureira

Madureira upset the form book as they surprised Boavista to take the Trofeu Carlos Alberto Torres at the Engenhão. Rodrigo put Madureira ahead with just eight minutes on the clock and he doubled the lead six minutes before the break. Boavista's leading scorer Frontini got them back in the game seven minutes after the break but Adriano Magrão restored the two goal advantage four minutes later and there was to be no comeback from Boavista as Madureira claimed the honours.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Semi Finals

Taça Rio Semi Finals

Vasco da Gama 1-0 Olaria
Fluminense 1-1 Flamengo
Flamengo advances 5-4 in penalty competition

The Saturday semi final was a repeat of the week 8 encounter which finished 2-2 and put Olaria into the semi finals. There was for the minnows to be no Boavista type fairytale as a single goal from Éder Luís seven minutes before the break put Vasco da Gama into their first Taça Rio final since they were victorious in 2004.

They will now face a Flamengo side one game away from the State Title after an action packed Sunday semi final against Fluminense at the Engenhão. The match was stopped for several minutes in the first half because of a power outage near to the stadium. Rafael Moura headed Fluminense ahead with twenty-two minutes gone but Flamengo levelled when Thiago Neves headed home a long cross from Willians half way through the second half.

With the game level at 90 minutes it headed straight to a penalty competition and goalkeeper Felipe was the Flamengo hero. He saved from Araújo and Tartá but Renato Abreu and Thiago Neves also failed for Flamengo to take the shoot out into sudden death. Fluminense then went behind when Souza put his penalty against the woodwork and Diego Mauricio stepped up to win it for Flamengo and put them into the final.

Trofeu Carlos Alberto Torres

Americano 1-2 Madureira
Botafogo 2-5 Boavista

Maduerira and Boavista will contest the final of the Trofeu Carlos Alberto next weekend after victories over Americano and Botafogo respectively. Madureira fell behind to a Carlos Alberto penalty after six minutes but Valdir levelled four minutes from time and Jones won it at the death. Botafogo fielded a reserve team in their game against Boavista and still managed to throw a two goal lead away. Jairo and Vitinho had the Alvinegro two up inside twenty minutes but Frontini pulled a goal back three minutes after the break. It was all one way traffic in the second half, Santiago levelled thirteen minutes after the break and Max put them ahead six minutes later. Tony put the result beyond doubt seven minutes from time and a second for Frontini put the icing on the cake two minutes from time.

Next week the Campeonato Carioca could come to a conclusion with a Flamengo victory in the final of the Taça Rio.

Vasco da Gama x Flamengo

Trofeu Carlos Alberto Torres Final

Boavista x Madureira

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 8

Resende 1-1 Madureira
Cabofriense 1-2 Volta Redonda
Bangu 1-2 Americano
Flamengo 1-1 Macaé
América 1-3 Botafogo
Boavista 3-0 Duque de Caxias
Fluminense 1-0 Nova Iguaçu
Olaria 2-2 Vasco da Gama

The final week of the regular season in the Taça Rio saw the final two semi-final spots decided and there will be a new name on the trophy this year after Olaria pipped holders Botafogo to second place in Group B. Needing only a draw against already qualified Vasco da Gama in their final game they made the perfect start when Waldir put them ahead with seventeen minutes gone. Four minutes into the second half Felipe doubled the Olaria lead and they then had to withstand a fight back from Vasco. Bernardo pulled a goal back from the penalty spot in the 64th minutes and they had to endure a tense final couple of moments when Romulo levelled in the final minute. The teams will meet again next Saturday in the semi final. That meant the Botafogo's 3-1 win a América was pretty meaningless in the long run. Lucas put Botafogo ahead with eleven minutes on the clock and Alessandro doubled the lead eight minutes after the break. A second from Lucas nine minutes from time wrapped things up before Bruno Reis got the América consolation in injury time.

After the draw of Olaria, Fluminense ended up in top spot in Group B after their 1-0 victory over Nova Iguaçu. A penalty from Fred with 27 minutes gone the difference for an under par Fluminense side who have bigger fish to fry in Buenos Aires on Thursday night as they attempt to rescue their Libertadores campaign. Flu will meet eternal rivals Flamengo in the Sunday semi-final after the Rubro-Negro limped into the playoffs with a 1-1 draw at "home" to Macaé in Volta Redonda. Jean put Flamengo ahead eleven minutes after the break but Macaé levelled twelve minutes from time when Hyantony levelled for Macaé. Flamengo had a chance to win the game in injury time but Ronaldinho Gáucho put his penalty into row Z.

Elsewhere it finished all square between Resende and Madureira to leave the visitors unbeaten in four at the end of the regular season and in good form for the Troféu Carlos Alberto Torres. Baiano put Madureira ahead a minute into the second half but they were pegged back when Tuta levelled for Resende five minutes from time. Americano finished third in Group A after a come from behind vicoty at Bangu. Gedeilson put Bangu ahead with thirteen minutes on the clock but Elson levelled twelve mintues later. The winner came in injury time at the end of the game when Diego got the goal to give Americano all three points. Cabofriense finished the season with four straight defeats after they went down at home to Volta Redonda. Bruno Barra put Volta Redonda ahead with just five minutes gone and it took Cabofriense until ten minutes from time before Everton Santos levelled. That lead lasted only three minutes before Jhonnattann got the winner for Volta Redonda to give them 5th in Group A. Boavista finished Group A in fourth after finishing with victory over Duque de Caxias. Leandro Chaves put Boavista ahead a minuts after the break and Tony doubled the lead two minutes later. Frontini wrapped things up for Boavista with the third and his 7th of the year six minutes from time.

Next weekend sees the start of the play-offs with single game semi-final at the Engenhão. Games go straight to penalties if level at 90 minutes.

Taça Rio Semi Finals

Vasco da Gama x Olaria (Saturday 2230 BST, Engenhão)
Fluminense x Flamengo (Sunday 2000 BST, Engenhão)

Troféu Carlos Alberto Torres

Americano x Madureira (Saturday 1930 BST, Estádio da Rua Bariri)
Botafogo x Boavista (Saturday 2000 BST, São Januário)

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 7

Nova Iguaçu 1-1 Bangu
Volta Redonda 0-0 Olaria
Madureira 2-1 Boavista
Vasco da Gama 2-1 Cabofriense
Macaé 1-1 América
Duque de Caxias 2-1 Resende
Americano 1-5 Fluminense
Botafogo 0-2 Flamengo

The opening fixture was between two sides playing for pride as Nova Iguaçu and Bangu opened up the weekend with a 1-1 draw. Somália put the visitors ahead thirteen minutes into the second half before Leonardo levelled matters ten minutes later. Olaria are limping towards the play offs after their second consecutive scoreless draw, this time at Volta Redonda. Olaria are still in the play off zone going into the last round of fixtures and a point at home to Vasco will be enough to see them in the semi finals. After making the Taça Guanabara final, Boavista won't be involved in the end of season shake up after a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Madureira. It all started well for Boavista when a Paulo Rodrigues own goal put them ahead just short of the half hour. Maciel levelled for Madureira with seventeen minutes to go and then his second two minutes from time claimed all three points for the home side. Vasco da Gama will be in the semi-finals after their victory over Cabofriense at the São Januário. Bernardo put Vasco ahead with twenty minutes gone but Cabofriense levelled fourteen minutes later when Zotti struck. Things got harder for Cabofriense eleven minutes after the break when Assumpção was sent off but the held out for half an hour until Alecsandro for the winner four minutes from time.

América snapped their five game losing streak when they picked up a point at Macaé. América took the lead four minutes before the break through Bruno Reis but Hyantony levelled matters eighteen minutes from time. Duque de Caxias made it three wins in the last four after victory over Resende. Somália and Gilcimar put Duque de Caxias two up inside the opening twenty three minutes and although Resende pulled a goal back late on it was too little too late for them. Fluminense will go into the last week of the season top of Group A and almost certain to be in the playoffs, the need a point, after a 5-1 victory over Americano. Fluminense were rocked with twenty minutes on the clock when Gustavinho put Americano ahead but the Tricolor were ahead for half time. Argentinian star Dario Conca levelled eleven minutes before the break and Araújo fired them ahead two minutes later. Mariano made it 3-1 five minutes after the break before a second for Araújo put the result beyond doubt. Marquinho put the icing on the cake three minutes from time. The big clash of the weekend saw Flamengo book their place in the semi finals and keep on track for the double after a 2-0 victory over Botafogo at the Engenhão. Thiago Neves put Flamengo ahead eleven minutes before the break and his second two minutes from time wrapped the points up. The result leaves Botafogo in danger of missing out on the semi finals, the need Olaria to lose and Botafogo need to turn over the goal difference as well.

Next week is the final week of league action before the play offs start and all games start at the same time on Sunday.

Flamengo x Macaé
América x Botafogo
Boavista x Duque de Caxias
Resende x Madureira
Fluminense x Nova Iguaçu
Cabofriense x Volta Redonda
Bangu x Americano
Olaria x Vasco da Gama

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 6

Nova Iguaçu 3-2 Cabofriense
Madureira 2-0 América
Volta Redonda 1-2 Fluminense
Macaé 2-1 Boavista
Duque de Caxias 0-2 Flamengo
Americano 0-0 Olaria
Vasco da Gama 4-0 Bangu
Botafogo 1-1 Resende

Nova Iguaçu picked up their second win of the Taça Rio as they overcame a Cabofriense who remain bottom of Group B. Dieguinho Batista put Noca Iguaçu up with eighteen minutes gone and his second doubled the lead seven minutes later. Zé Carlos pulled a goal back for Cabofriense with half an hour gone but Lukian restored the tow goal advantage eight minutes after the break. Assumpção gave Cabofriense a chance with a quarter of an hour to go but Nova Iguaçu held on for the victory. Madureira were another side to pick up their second win of the season after they defeated América. Rodrigo put Madureira ahead with twenty minutes gone and Valdir wrapped up the points with midway through the second half. Fluminense picked up their first win in four attempts but still remain outside the play off zone after victory at Volta Redonda. Two second half goals in the space of two minutes from Souza and Emerson put the Tricolor ahead. Arthur got what turned out to be mere consolation for Volta Redonda in injury time. Boavista fell out of the play off zone when they crashed to a surprised defeat at out of form Macaé who snapped a four game losing streak. Bruno Luiz was the hero for the home side as his doubled strike in the opening twenty-eight minutes put Macaé in control. Max dragged Boavista back into the game with nine minutes left but they were unable to claim anything from the game.

Flamengo got back on track with victory at Duque de Caxias after three straight draws. Renato Abreu put Flamengo ahead with seventeen mintues left and David made the game safe with the second in injury time. Olaria remain top of Group B but their four match winning streak was ended at Americano. No goals in the game a result that doesn't harm both teams chances of making the play offs. Vasco da Gama are now unbeaten in 5 after comfortably disposing of Bangu at the São Januário. After Bangu had Rafael sent off with just twenty minutes on the clock Dedé put Vasco ahead two minutes before the break and Éder Luís doubled the advantage two minutes after it. Alecsandro made it three seventeen minutes from time and Felipe wrapped things up two minutes later. Botafogo had to come from behind to claim a disappointing draw at home to Resende. The visitors stunned the Engenhão crown when Rogério headed past a motionless Jefferson on the stroke of half time. Botafogo finally levelled fifteen minutes from time through a smart turn and strike from Antônio Carlos.

Two weeks to go in the Taça Rio and it's all to play for with spots in the playoffs still technically available to fourteen of the sixteen clubs in the competition. Week 7 takes place next weekend and they line up like this

Nova Ignaçu x Bangu
Volta Redonda x Olaria
Madureira x Boavista
Macaé x América
Vasco da Gama x Cabofriense
Duque de Caxias x Resende
Americano x Fluminense
Botafogo x Flamengo

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Week 5

Olaria 2-0 Nova Iguaçu
Boavista 0-0 Botafogo
América 1-2 Duque de Caxias
Resende 5-2 Macaé
Cabofriense 0-1 Americano
Bangu 2-1 Volta Redonda
Flamengo 3-3 Madureira
Fluminense 0-0 Vasco da Gama

Olaria went to the summit of Group B after a two goal victory at a Nova Iguaçu side that is struggling to repeat it's form of the Taça Guanabara. Waldir put Olaria ahead a minutes before the break and his second with twenty minutes to go made the game safe for his side. It's a fourth straight win for Olaria who are in with a good shout of making the finals with just three games to go. Boavista dropped to second in Group B after a goalless draw at home to a Botafogo side still looking for a new coach after the fan forced departure of coach Joel Santana. The Alvinegro though, remain in a finals spot despite this result. Duque de Caxias made it back to back wins after a success over an América side that hasn't quite his the heights of last year. John put Duque de Caxais ahead with nineteen minutes on the clock but América levelled six minutes after the break through Leandrinho. The Duque de Caxias winner game just after the hour, John's second of the game giving them the three points. Resende were another side to make it back to back wins as they went to town on Macaé despite slipping two goal behind. Two goals in the space of four minutes from Andre Gomes and Gedeil put Macaé two goals ahead but Marcel pulled one back seven minutes before the break. Gabriel levelled matter for Resende ten minutes after the break and Elias put them ahead on the hour. Marcelo Regis gave Resende a two goal lead fifteen minutes from time before his second in injury time wrapped things up.

Americano kept up the pressure at the top of Group A after a 1-0 success at Cabofriense. The only goal of the game coming three minutes before the break from Diego. It leaves Americano in a three way tie at the top of Group A with only goal difference keeping them out of the play off zone at the moment. Bangu haven't enjoyed the best Taça Rio but kept their slim play off hopes alive after a 2-1 win over Volta Redonda. Bangu fell behind eleven minutes before the break when Glauber put Volta Redonda ahead but Bangu were level seven minutes after the break courtesy of Porssato. It looked like both teams were going to collect a point each but Abílio grabbed the Bangu winner deep into injury time. The woes for Flamengo continued as they were held to a third straight draw, this time by a Madureira side they really should be beating. A Welinton Souza own goal put Madureira into the lead ten minutes before the break but Leo Moura levelled for Flamengo seven minutes later. Michel then restored the Madureira lead twelve minutes into the second half and when Baiano made it 2-1 to Madureira six minutes later a shock was on the cards. Deivid pulled a goal back fifteen minutes from time and Thiago Neves rescused a point for Flamengo with the equaliser eight minutes from time. Finally no goals at the Engenhão as the Clássico dos Gigantes between Fluminense and Vasco da Gama. The result ended Vasco's three game winning run but still left them top of Group A, the result was more damaging for Flu's hopes of making the play offs.

Three games to go in the Taça Rio and they line up like this next weekend

Nova Iguaçu x Cabofriense
Madureira x América
Volta Redonda x Fluminense
Duque de Caxais x Flamengo
Americano x Olaria
Vasco da Gama x Bangu
Botafogo x Resende
Macaé x Boavista

Premier Sports TV is the new live home of South American football in the UK. You can subscribe at www.premiersports.tv or call 0871 663 9000

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Rio Round Up

Taça Rio Round Up Weeks 1-3

Week one of the Taça Rio saw Vasco continue their poor form from the Guanabara when they went down to a 3-1 defeat at Macaé. Guanabara runners up Boavista got over the disappointment of their final loss with a 3-1 win over Bangu. The other of the big 4 were all victorious while Madureira and América also picked up maximum points. Week two saw the Big Four all win, with Vasco finally getting their season underway with victory over Duque de Caxais. Boavista went down to defeat at Olaria while Cabofriense and Americano both got their fist wins of the season as well. Week three saw the 375th Fla-Flu finish goalless at the Engenhão whilst Vasco and Botafogo both had comfortable victories. Boavista got back to winning ways and Olaria made it back to back victories as well.

Week 4

Nova Iguaçu 1-2 Duque de Caxias
Americano 2-1 Madureira
Volta Redonda 2-1 Macaé
Olaria 1-0 América
Fluminense 0-2 Boavista
Cabofriense 0-0 Flamengo
Bangu 0-1 Resende
Vasco da Gama 2-0 Botafogo

Duque de Caxias got their first win of the Taça Rio after success at Nova Iguaçu. Juninho put the visitors ahead with twenty minutes gone and his second fifteen from time doubled their advantage. Nova Iguaçu pulled a goal back in injury time but Duque de Caxias held on to collect maximum points. Americano got their second win of the Taça Rio after a late goal gave them victory over Madureira. Elson put Americano ahead with thirteen minutes gone but and own goal from Breda levelled things just short of the half hour. With six minutes left, Breda redeemed himself when he got the winner. Volta Redonda were another team to get their second win of the Taça Rio after inflicting Macaé's third straight defeat of the Taça Rio. Bruno Lança put Volta ahead with eighteen minutes gone and Kanu doubled the lead six minutes before the break. Robson pulled a goal back ten minutes after the break but Volta Redonda held on for the victory. Olaria moved into second in Group B after their third straight victory of the Taça Rio. One goal was enough to see off América who would have surely been happy with a point but for a winner from Renan Silva with just two minutes left.

Boavista proved their Guanabara semi-final victory was no fluke when they repeated their victory over Fluminense at the Engenhão. Gustavo put Boavista ahead eight minutes before the break and Max finished things off thirteen minutes from time. The win moves them into second above Flamengo who picked up their second consecutive scoreless draw, this time at Cabofriense. It's a very disappointing result for Rubro-Negro and they find themselves outside the finals at the moment. Resende picked up their first victory of the Taça Rio when they picked up a single goal victory away at Bangu. Marcel with the only goal of the game twenty minutes into the second half. The big game of the week was the Clássico Alvinegro at the Engenhão as Vasco da Gama made it three wins on the spin with victory over a very disappointing Botafogo side. Diego Souza put Vasco ahead just shot of the hour and on loan striker Éder Luis made it two ten minutes later with a stunner. The victory puts Vasco top of Group A and in with a shot of making the finals.

Week 5 takes place next weekend, centre stage is the Clássico dos Gigantes and they line up like this

Flamengo x Madureira
América x Duque de Caxias
Boavista x Botafogo
Resende x Macaé
Fluminense x Vasco da Gama
Cabofriense x Americano
Bangu x volta Redonda
Olaria x Nova Iguaçu

An Apology

Folks.

An apology for the lack of any coverage recently. I'm currently 12,000 miles from home and to be honest doing the blog hasn't crossed my mind whilst enjoying the weather here.

Normal service will resume on my return to the UK at the weekend and we'll be back on Monday as usual with a round up from the Paulistão and Carioca.

Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused you all.

Cheers

Matt

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Final

Flamengo 1-0 Boavista

Ronaldinho Gaúcho converted a second-half free kick as Flamengo defeated Boavista 1-0 to win the Taça Guanabara. In only his sixth game with the Rubro-Negro, Ronaldinho Gaúcho lifted his first silverware after curling a right-footed shot over the wall with twenty minutes left to give Flamengo victory. It's the 19th Taça Guanabara title for Flamengo and puts them into the State Championship final, unless they go on to complete the double by adding the Taça Rio to their collection.

Flamengo dominated proceedings but had difficulties creating clear cut chances against a resilient Boavista side who reached the final after stunning Fluminense in last week's semi-final shootout. After Ronaldinho Gaúcho's goal his celebrations near the touchline saw several Flamengo players lined up behind him and start dancing. Boavista were reduced to ten men with twelve minutes to go after striker Carlos Frontini was sent off after an exchange with Renato.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho was a happy man, "I've always dreamed about this, these fans are wonderful. My goal is to return to the national team as soon as possible."

Since being founded in 2004, Boavista has still not defeated Flamengo in any fixture and the Taça Guanabara has been in the possession of the big four Rio clubs since Volta Redonda won the title in 2005


Picture © Globoesporte.com

Troféu Washington Rodrigues Final

Resende 1-1 Olaria
Olaria wins 3-1 on penalties

Olaria collected the Troféu Washington Rodrigues after defeating Resende 3-1 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 in regulation at the Engenhão. It was Resende who broke the deadlock with twenty minutes to go when Marcel put them ahead. The lead lasted only two minutes before Felipe levelled for Olaria. So with the scores level at 90 minutes the game went straight to penalties and it was Olaria who held their nerve to collect the trophy.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Semi Finals

Fluminense 2-2 Boavista
Boavista advances 4-2 on penalties
Flamengo 1-1 Botafogo
Flamengo advances 3-1 on penalties

In the Saturday Semi Final at the Engenhão, Boavista stunned Fluminense by winning in penalty shoot out to qualify for their first Guanabara final after the game finished 2-2 in 90 minutes. Fluminense took the lead with 8 minutes gone when a Marquinho free kick went over the wall and into the top corner. Boavista levelled three minutes later. Tony hammering a pile driver from 25 metres past Ricardo Berna and into the Fluminense goal. Fluminense went ahead again 8 minutes before the break, Dario Conca's free kick was just kept in by Rafael Moura whose header found Fred unmarked in the six yard area and he headed home.

Nine minutes after the break Boavista where level again when a Paulo Rodrigues found the out stretched foot of Andre Luis to find the back of the net and level matters. It stayed level at the conclusion of the 90 minutes and the game went straight to a penalty competition. During the penalties, Boavista keeper Thiago saved efforts from Conca and Rodriguinho while Boavista's Paulo Rodrigues, Tony, Frontini and Edu Pina converted each of their kicks to give Boavista the surprise win and put them into next weekends final.

In the Sunday Semi Final at the Engenhão, penalties were also required are Flamengo ended Botafogo's two year reign as Guanabara holders after defeating the Alvinegro 3-1 on penalties. Ronaldo Angelim put Flamengo ahead when he headed home after fourteen minutes a lead they were to take into the break. Botafogo drew level four minutes into the second half when "El Loco" Sebastian Abreu fired home from twelve yards to tie the game and ensure a shoot out.

So, for the second day in a row it was to be penalties that would decide the outcome of the game. It all went sadly wrong for Botafogo. Leo Moura, Renato and Fernando all scored their penalties for Flamengo but Felipe saved from Everton and Somália before Ranato Cajá put his effort wide of the right hand post to put Flamengo into next Sunday's final as they look for their first Guanabara success since 2008.

Troféu Washington Rodrigues Semi Finals

Resende 1-1 Bangu
Resende advances 5-4 on penalties
Nova Iguaçu 1-3 Olaria

In the Saturday semi final, Resdende advanced to the final of the Troféu Washington Rodrigues after defeating Bangu in a penalty shoot out. Resende took the lead with 27 minutes gone when Wellington put them ahead. Ricardinho levelled for Bangu four minutes after the break and it remained that way until the 90 minutes was up. The game went to penalties and Resende held their nerve but Thiago Galhardo missed for Bangu to send Resende into the final. In the only semi-final of the weekend not to go to penalties, Olaria will meet Resende after a 3-1 victory over Nova Iguaçu at the Engenhão. Despite going to behind on the half hour, Olaria were level by half time and two second half goals sealed things.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 7

América 0-9 Vasco da Gama
Flamengo 1-0 Resende
Nova Iguaçu 3-5 Boavista
Americano 2-1 Volta Redonda
Madureira 0-1 Fluminense
Olaria 1-0 Bangu
Cabofriense 2-0 Duque de Caxias
Botafogo 1-1 Macaé

In the only Saturday game, Vasco finally hit some form when they smashed América in Volta Redonda. The game was over as a contest within the first 23 minutes, Fágner opened proceedings after four minutes before a brace from Ramon and Felipe made it four. Marcel made it five with just 25 minutes on the clock and Enrico got the sixth before the break. Vasco took the foot off the pedal in the second half but still added three further goals from Caique, Jeferson and a second for Enrico. Flamengo go into the semi-finals the only undefeated side in the competition as they ended the play off hopes of Resende with a single goal win in Macaé. Needing a draw to progress to the semi-finals Resende held on grimly but they were finally opened up 15 minutes from time by Deivid. A sad end to a promising campaign from Resende.

It meant the other semi-final spot went down to a shoot out in Nova Iguaçu, where Boavista were the visitors. It was the visitors who took the lead right on half half time through Max and then a minute into the first half they doubled their lead courtesy of Leonardo Chaves. Nova Iguaçu hit back a minute later through Marquinhos and levelled seven minutes later when Leonoardo struck. Max then restored the Boavista lead on 65 minutes and Erick Flores restored the two goal gap. News filtered through from Macaé and Boavista knew they needed a two goal victory but disaster struck a minute from time when Maycon reduced the deficit. Boavista threw bodies forward and grabbed the goal they needed three minutes into stoppage time when Max completed his hat-trick. Americano finally got their first win of the season when they defeated Volta Redonda. Gustavinho put Americano ahead after fifteen minutes but Pedro Henrique levelled ten minutes before the break. The winner came nine minutes from time from Felipe, a result which meant they they leapfrogged América in the table and climbed off the bottom of Group A.

Botafogo blew the chance to finish top of Group B, and avoid Flamengo in the semi-finals, when they were held at home by Macaé in the surprise result of the day. Robson stunned the small Engenhão crowd when he put the visitors ahead seven minutes before the break. Although Renato Cajá levelled three mintues after the break, Macaé held on the claim the draw and make Botafogo's route much harder to reclaim their crown. The main beneficiaries of all this were Fluminense who claimed top spot in Group B after victory at Madureira. With their Libertadores campaign now underway it was a sluggish Fluminense who struggled to get going at times. They goal they needed came fifteen minutes from time when Rafael Moura got his fifth goal of the week to hand the Tricolor a semi final against Boavista.

Olaria ended up claiming third spot in Group B after they defeated nearest rivals Bangu. One goal was enough to separate the sides and it came from Waldir two minutes after the break. And finally, Cabofriense picked up their first win of the season when they defeated an under strength Duque de Caxias side which had it sights set on the Taça Rio. Two second half goals in the space of twelve minutes from Everton Santos were enough to give Cabofriense the victory but it was a case of too little, too late as they finished bottom of Group B.

Semi final time in the Taça Guanabara and Torneio Moisés, they are single game elimination contests with penalties at the end of 90 minutes if the scores are level.

The line up like this

Taça Guanabara

Flamengo x Botafogo
Fluminense x Boavista

Torneio Moisés

Resende x Bangu
Olaria x Nova Iguaçu

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 6

Resende 1-2 Nova Iguaçu
Bangu 2-2 Cabofriense
Macaé 2-2 Madureira
Vasco da Gama 3-0 Americano
Boavista 2-3 Flamengo
Volta Redonda 2-0 América
Duque de Caxias 4-2 Olaria
Fluminense 2-3 Botafogo

Nova Iguaçu will go into the last week of the Taça Guanabara with a chance of making the semi finals after victory at nearest rivals Resende. Amaral put Nova Iguaçu ahead with 18 minutes on the clock before William doubled the lead fifteen minutes from time. Marcelo Regis pulled a goal back as the game went to injury time for Resende and they now need a results against Flamengo in their last game to make it into the semi finals. Cabofriense picked up their first of the season despite throwing a two goal lead away against Bangu. Léo Itaperuna put Cabofriense ahead nine minutes after the break and André oliveira doubled the lead twelve minutes later. However Pipco halved the deficit and Somália levelled matters six minutes from time. Madureira made it three games without defeat after an away draw at Macaé. Danile put Macaé ahead half way through the first half but Edivaldo levelled and then Douglas Assis put Madureira into the lead at the break. Macaé claimed a point when Hyantony levelled from the spot five minutes from time. Vasco da Gama climbed off the bottom of Group A when they finally picked up their first win of the season against Americano. Marcel put Vasco ahead ten minutes before the break and Dedé doubled the lead eight minutes into the second half. Jeferson Silva wrapped things up ten minutes from time.

Flamengo guaranteed top spot in Group A as they remain unbeaten despite being given a good work out by Boavista. A first goal in the Rubro-Negro for Ronaldinho Gáucho from the penalty spot opened things up for Flamengo. Deivid doubled the lead four minutes into the second half but two minutes later Frontini pulled a goal back. When Frontini levelled twelve minutes from time it seems Flamengo would lose their 100% record but Negueba came to the rescue seven minutes from time. Volta Redonda picked up their first win of the season as they triumphed over América. Jean Carlos put Volta Redonda ahead on the stroke of half time and Bruno Barra made certain of the points ten minutes from time. Duque de Caxias came from a two goal deficit to record their first victory of the season over Olaria. Renan Silva put Olaria ahead with 32 minutes gone and Felipe doubled the lead five minutes later, on which the took into the break. Somália got Duque de Caxias back into the game six minutes into the second half and Juninho levelled on the hour. Rodrigo Dantas then edged Duque de Caxias into the lead 10 minutes from time and a second for Somália wrapped things up two minutes later.

The round finished with the big clash at the Engenhão between Fluminense and Botafogo, the Clássico Vovô. It was a feisty affair with numerous yellow cards, two red cards and five goals as Botafogo went back to the top of Group B. Renato Cajá's super free kick put Botafogo ahead half way through the first half but Rafael Moura levelled for Flu seven minutes later. Then came the red cards as things threatened to boil over, Valencia of Fluminense went first for a second booking and the Botafogo captain Marcelo Mattos went next. In between all of this Renato Cajá was denied a second when his free kick clearly crossed the line but was not give and when Jefferson in the Fogo goal mishandled a Conca free kick Rafael Moura got his second to put Fluminense ahead. Botafogo then got a life line when they were awarded a penalty but Sebastian Abreu tamely chipped the ball into the goalkeepers hands. He then got a second opportunity two minutes later and this time levelled matters. Then six minutes later German Herrera put Botafogo ahead for the second time and they held on the hand Fluminense their first defeat of the season ahead of their Libertadores opener on Wednesday night. Well worth watching the 15 minutes of highlights on the link above.

No midweek games in the Carioca this week, with it being the last round of the Guanabara every game kicks off at 1700 (Local) next Sunday. With second place up for grabs in Group A they line up like this

Flamengo x Resende
Nova Iguaçu x Boavista
América x Vasco da Gama
Americano x Volta Redonda
Madureura x Fluminense
Olaria x Bangu
Cabofriense x Duque de Caxias
Botafogo x Macaé

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 5

Boavista 0-1 Resende
América 3-1 Americano
Madureira 2-1 Cabofriense
Olaria 1-1 Macaé
Bangu 1-1 Botafogo
Flamengo 1-0 Nova Iguaçu
Vasco da Gama 0-0 Volta Redonda
Fluminense 3-1 Duque de Caxias

Resende put themselves in the box seat for the Taça Guanabara semi-finals after victory in the big game of the round. It was Resende in second against Boavista in third at Estádio Eucy Resende de Mendonça with the winners being ideally placed to qualify for the semi finals. Only one goal separated the sides and it came five minutes after the break from Kim. América got their first win of the season after success against Americano. Two goals in the opening 23 minutes from Hugo and Leandrinho put América in control. Felipe Adão made it three five minutes after the break but Diego got a consolation for Americano on the hour. Madureira and Cabofriense, two sides without a win all season, met to give them the ideal opportunity to break their duck. It was Madureira who took home he three points despite falling behind to a Wagner goal four minutes before the break. Edivaldo levelled on the stoke of half time and Maciel won it nine minutes from time. Olaria and Macaé finished all square to leave both teams with no chance of making the semi finals. Osmar put Macaé ahead with just two minutes on the clock but Victor levelled for Olaria ten minutes after the break.

Botafogo's winning run was surprisingly ended at Bangu, who gave themselves an outside chance of making the semi-finals. You would have assumed it was was business as usual for Botafogo when Sebastian Abreu put them ahead with 25 minutes on the clock but Abilio stunned the Alvinegro with an equaliser thirteen minutes from time. The big story of the week though was the arrival of 40,000 spectators at the Engenhão to witness the debut of Ronaldinho Gáucho in the red and black shirt of Flamengo. Nova Iguaçu were meant to be the side show but they showed resilience to constantly deny Flamengo. Five minutes from time through the Nova Iguaçu defence finally cracked and Wanderley got the winner to all but put Flamengo into the semi-finals. Vasco da Gama remain bottom of Group A despite picked up their first point of the season. A 0-0 home draw with Volta Redonda isn't going to enthuse the fans at the São Januário but it's a start and things can only get better from here. Fluminense took advantage of Botafogo's slip up at Bangu to go top of Group B. Fred put the Tricolor ahead eight minutes after the break but Marlon Ventura stunned the Engenhão with the equaliser four minutes later. Fred's second restored the lead with seventeen minutes to go and the former Olympique de Lyonnias striker completed his hat-trick a minute from time to wrap things up.

The Clássico 'Vovô is the highlight of the weekend, a clash which will decide the destiny of Group B. They line up like this

Boavista x Flamengo
Resende x Nova Iguaçu
Bangu x Cabofriense
Vasco da Gama x Americano
Volta Redonda x América
Duque de Caxais x Olaria
Macaé x Madureira
Fluminense x Botafogo

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 4

Nova Iguaçu 2-0 América
Resende 1-0 Volta Redonda
Botafogo 3-1 Olaria
Duque de Caxias 3-3 Madureira
Americano 2-3 Boavista
Cabofriense 2-3 Fluminense
Vasco da Gama 1-2 Flamengo
Macaé 2-2 Bangu

Nova Iguaçu continued their impressive start to the season as they kept their unbeaten record in place with victory over América. Two second half goals from Maicon were enough to give Nova Iguaçu the points. The first game on the hour, the second nine minutes from time. Resende are another team who are unbeaten in Group A and they stayed in second place after a 1-0 success over Volta Redonda. Elias got the Resende winner thirteen minutes from time to keep them in the hunt for a semi final spot. Botafogo meanwhile remain top of Group B after their 3-1 success over Olaria at the Engenhão. The Alvinegro made the perfect start when Renato Cajá put them ahead in the first minute of the match but they did not double their lead until eight minutes after the break when Sebastian Abreu struck. Botafogo got a wake up call two minutes later when Vinicius got Olaria right back in the game but a second for Abreu on the hour wrapped things ups. A stunning late comeback from Madureira saw them claim a point against Duque de Caxias, the first drawn game in Group B so far. Lenilson and Geovane Maranhão put Duque de Caxias two up within the first 26 minutes but Valdir pulled a goal back for Madureira two minutes before the break. When Juninho restored the two goal cushion for Duque de Caxias fifteen minutes from time you thought the points were there heading their way but with two minutes left Rodrigo pulled what looked like a consolation goal back before his second grabbed an equaliser as they game went into injury time.

Boavista are another unbeaten side in Group A as they made it three wins on the spin after a stunning comeback at Americano. The home side went into the break two goals to the good after strikes from Gustavinho and Catatau put them in control. Paulo Rodrigues pulled a goal back four minutes after the break and Frontini levelled matters five minutes later. A second for Paulo Rodrigues half way through the second half won it for Boavista. Fluminense remain behind Botafogo at the top of Group B after being give more than a run for their money against winless Cabofriense. Fred put the Tricolor ahead with just six minutes on the clock but Capixaba levelled with half an hour gone. There was a shock on the cards when Diego Sales put Cabofriense ahead from the spot five minutes after the break but Fluminense levelled fifteen minutes later courtesy of André Luis. A second from Fred ten minutes from time restored the lead before Willians made sure of the points three minutes later. After disposing of coach PC Gumasão after the midweek defeat a Boavista the Clássico dos Milhões against Flamengo was the last thing they needed. And sure enough they fell to their fourth straight defeat of the season. Deivid put Flamengo ahead half way through the first half and Thiago Neves doubled the lead right on half time. Romulo pulled a goal back for Vasco fifteen minutes from time but it wasn't enough to prevent yet another defeat. Finally Bangu struck later to claim a point against Macaé in the final game of the weekend. Thiago Galhardo put Bangu ahead with fifteen minutes gone but Gedeil levelled ten minutes later. Hyantony put Macaé ahead twenty minutes into the second half and it looked like they were going to claim all three points until a second from Thiago Galhardo as they game went into injury time rescued a point for Bangu.

Many apologies, not many highlights knocking about this week.

And we get to do it all again in midweek with Week 5. They line up like this

Boavista x Resende
América x Americano
Madureira x Cabofriense
Olaria x Macaé
Bangu x Botafogo
Flamengo x Nova Iguaçu
Vasco da Gama x Volta Redonda
Fluminense x Duque de Caxias

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 3

Volta Redonda 1-1 Nova Iguaçu
América 1-4 Resende
Bangu 1-0 Duque de Caxias
Olaria 2-0 Cabofriense
Flamengo 2-0 Americano
Botafogo 4-1 Madureira
Boavista 3-1 Vasco da Gama
Fluminense 3-1 Macaé

Volta Redonda picked up their first point of the campaign after a late Lombardi strike gave them a point against Nova Iguaçu. The newly promoted side remain unbeaten after three games and they took the lead after eight minutes through Alex Faria but they should have had all three points but for Lombardi's strike three minutes from time. Resende also remain unbeated after they brushed aside América at the Estádio Giulite Coutinho. Marcel put Resende ahead with 27 minutes on the clock and Valdeir doubled the lead on the stroke of half time. América got back into the game a minute after the break through Felipe but Marcelo Regis restored the two goal advantage ten minutes later. Alexandro wrapped up the points for Resende with the fourth twenty minutes from time. Bangu made it back to back wins as they defeated Duque de Caxias. One goal separated the teams and it came half way through the first half from Pipico. Cabofriense are still looking for their first point of the season as Olaria bounced back from their heavy defeat at the weekend to register their second win of the campaign. Felipe put Olaria ahead with 27 minutes on the clock before Vinicius made the point safe with the second seven minutes from time.

Americano put up a brave showing against Flamengo before falling to a 2-0 defeat in Macaé. Americano were reduced to ten men with just 19 minutes on the clock when Felipe was sent off for a second yellow card. They then bravely held the Rubro-Negro at bay for fifty minutes before Wanderley finally put Flamengo ahead. It was the straw the broke the camel's back and two minutes later a second for Wanderley put Flamengo in control and secured the points to keep them top of Group A. Business as usual at the Engenhão at Champions Botafogo brushed aside a Madureira side still looking for it's first point of the year. German Herrera put Botafogo ahead with fifteen minutes gone and Sebastian Abreu doubled the lead two minutes before the break. The Alvinegro were given a scare when Rodrigo pulled a goal back with sixteen minutes to go but Alessandro restored the two goal cushion with nine minutes to go. Caio got the fourth two minutes from time to wrap things up and keep Botafogo top of Group B. Vasco da Gama just go from bad to worse as they lost their third consecutive match, this time at Boavista. Tony put Boavista ahead with sixteen minutes on the clock and Frontini doubled the lead ten minutes later. Marcel halved the deficit for Vasco on the hour but André Luis guaranteed the points for Boavista when he struck three minutes from time. Fluminense remain second in Group B after comfortably overcoming Macaé at the Engenhão. Carlinhos put the Tricolor ahead nine minutes before the break before Souza doubled the lead two minutes after the break. A second for Souza made it three for Fluminense before Robson got a consolation for Macaé three minutes from time.

This weekend is the fourth round of matches and includes the Clássico dos Milhões. They line up like this

Americano x Boavista
Nova Iguaçu x América
Resende x Volta Redonda
Botafogo x Olaria
Duque de Caxias x Madureira
Cabofriense x Fluminense
Vasco da Gama x Flamengo
Macaé x Bangu

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 2

América 1-3 Flamengo
Volta Redonda 0-1 Boavista
Resende 1-1 Americano
Nova Iguaçu 3-2 Vasco da Gama
Duque de Caxias 4-1 Macaé
Madureira 0-1 Bangu
Fluminense 6-2 Olaria
Cabofriense 0-5 Botafogo

In Group A, Flamengo went two points clear after victory over América at the Estádio Giulite Coutinho. Renato Abreu put Fla ahead with eleven minutes on the clock and David doubled the lead just after the half hour. Deivid wrapped things up for Fla with a third six minutes after the break but Leandro grabbed a consolation for América midway through the second half. Boavista gained their first win of the campaign as they overcame Volta Redonda. A single goal from Frontini after 27 minutes was enough to win the game and put Boavista into third. Americano collected their second draw when they came from behind to claim a point at Resende. Marcelo Regis put the home side ahead from the spot midway through the first half but Wandinho grabbed an equaliser ten minutes from time for Americano. Another round and another shock for Vasco da Gama as they were beaten for a second time, Nova Iguaçu taking the points. Nova Iguaçu were two up inside twenty minutes courtesy of goals from Alex Moraes and Maicon. Romulo pulled a goal back for Vasco seven minutes after the break and when Marcel levelled from the spot on the hour it was a matter of when the Vasco comeback would be complete. Things though, didn't turn out that way and William stunned Vasco with a winner 12 minutes from time.

Everygame in Group B again had a positive result and there were 19 goals acriss the four games. Macaé came back to earth with a bump when they were defeated 4-1 at Duque de Caxias despite taking the lead through Andre Gomes after 17 minutes. Lenon levelled eight minutes later and Geovane Maranhão made it two nine minutes before the break. Duque de Caxias went into the break two goals ahead when Somália converted from the spot a minutes before the break and a second from him seventeen minutes from time wrapped things up. The lowest scoring game of in the group came at Madureira where a single goal from Thiago Galhardo gave Bangu their first win of the season. Fluminense eventually overcame Olaria but were given a scare by them at the Engenhão. Marquinho put Flu ahead with eleven minutes on the clock but within a minute Felipe levelled and when Renan put Olaria ahead six minutes later there was a shock on the cards. Fred levelled for Fluminense eight minutes later and a second on the stroke of half time put ahead into the break. Rodriguinho gave Fluminense a two goal lead a minute after the break and his second twenty minutes into the half made it five. A second from Marquinho eight minutes from time wrapped things up to leave them unbeaten. The other unbeaten team are champions Botafogo who easily brushed aside Cabofriense. Two own goals from Matheus within five minutes of each other game the Alvinegro a two goal lead but they had to work for their victory. The newly promoted side folded in the last quarter of an hour, Renato Cajá made it three, Caio got the fourth and Antônio Carlos put the icing no the cake a minute from time.

Week three takes place this midweek and they line up like this

Volta Redonda x Nova Iguaçu
América x Resende
Bangu x Duque de Caxias
Olaria x Cabofriense
Flamengo x Americano
Botafogo x Madureira
Boavista x Vasco da Gama
Fluminense x Macaé