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

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 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

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 1

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

Boavista and América kicked off the 2011 Campeonato Carioca with a 1-1 draw at the Estádio Eucy de Resende Mendonça. América are looking to improve on their 2010 performance they took the lead five minutes before the break through Leandro. They didn't keep their lead long as Frontini levelled for Boavista just before the break. The biggest shock of the opening round came at the São Januário where Resende but Vasco into an immediate early season crisis with a shock victory. Vasco would have settled for a point after the way things went but Alexandro grabbed a winner four minutes from time. Flamengo got into the swing of things as they had a comfortable victory over Volta Redonda at the Engenhão. Vander put the Rubro-Negro ahead five minutes before the break and Wanderley doubled the lead on the hour. The final game in Group A finished level as newcomers Nova Iguaçu came from behind the claim a point at Americano. A Felipe goal put Americano ahead but Diego levelled for Nova Iguaçu half way through the second half.

In Group B, a game that looked a pretty even contest on paper between Olaria and Madureira went the way of the home side thanks to a goal from Vinícius seven minutes before half time. Champions Botafogo were stunned when a penalty from Somália five minutes before the break put Duque de Caxias ahead at the Engenhão. It looked like it was going to be Botafogo's night but Sebastian Abreu got the Alvinegro level from the spot twelve minutes from time and Caio won it two minutes later. In the second game of a double header at the Engenhão ten man Fluminense just about scraped past Bangu. Souza of Fluminense was sent off seven minutes before the break but he was followed by Raphael of Bangu on the hour. Veteran striker Fred won the game for the Tricolor nine minutes from time. Macaé are top of Group B after a strong second half showing was too much for newcomers Cabofriense. Marcos Tamandaré put Macaé ahead nine minutes after the break and André Gomes doubled the lead ten minutes later. Hyanthony wrapped things up for Macaé thirteen minutes from time.

Week Two takes place this weekend and they line up like this

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

Carioca Gets Ready To Kick Off

With the Paulista kicking off at the weekend the other of the state leagues that we pay close attention to starts this midweek. With Botafogo the reigning champions the other of the big three, national champions Fluminense, Flamengo and Vasco da Gama will be looking to knock the Alvinegro off their perch at the top of the table.

Flamengo of course have the highest profile singing as yet when it was announced that Ronaldinho Gáucho had put pen to paper on a 4 year contract at Gavéa last week. Also Thiago Neves never has joined the Rubro-Negro and the former Fluminense player will be looking to make an impression. Also arriving from Portuguese side Sporting Braga is the former Corinthians stopper Felipe on a 12 month loan deal and Argentinian midfielder Darío Bottinelli has arrived from Universidad Católica in Chile. There have been plenty of players going through the exit door as well, Toró, Juan have moved onto pastures new while forwards Val Baiano, Diogo and Christian Borja have been told they are surplus to requirements. Former international Kléberson has also been shown the door as has veteran Serb Dejan Petkovic.

Botafogo were boosted when coach Joel Santana agreed a years extension to his contract just before Christmas. Striker Somália has had a recent drama when he was the victim of a kidnapping but he managed to escape unscathed. Botafogo though have seen some departures, Lucio Flavio has headed to Mexico while Marcelo Cordeiro has returned to Internacional after his loan period expired. Full backs Márcio Azevedo, Lucas and central defender João Filipe have all arrived at the Engenhão in the close season.

Fluminense of course will have the distraction of the Copa Libertadores as they try to claim their first state title since 2005. Muricy Ramalho remains at the helm of the Tricolor as the Fluzão had the boost of talisman Dario Conca signing a new contract to keep him at the club for another five years. It's pretty much as you were for the Tricolor but expect them to be more concentrated on Libertadores success than a Carioca title.

Vasco da Gama meanwhile have spent most of the short off season fending off bids for star man Zé Roberto despite him only arriving at the São Januário last July. There have been four arrivals for far, defender Anderson Martins arrives from relegated Vitória, forwards Misael and Marcel from Ceará and Santos respectively whilst midfielder Eduardo Costa returns back to Brazil after a spell at AS Monaco. No further signings are expected before the season starts by Vasco.

Of the other sides, Cabofriense and Nova Iguaçu come up to the top flight, whilst América will look to build on their promising season last year. Olaria and Boavista can be dangerous on their day and Resende will be looking to avoid a relegation battle this year.

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 Botafogo, 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.

We get underway on Wednesday night and they line up like this;

Group A

Boavista x América
Vasco da Gama x Resende
Flamengo x Volta Redonda
Americano x Nova Iguaçu

Group B

Olaria x Madureira
Botafogo x Duque de Caxias
Bangu x Fluminense
Macaé x Cabofriense

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Final

Vasco da Gama 0-2 Botafogo

Written off just a month ago after a 6-0 defeat by Vasco da Gama, a reverse which saw coach Estevam Soares replaced by Joel Santana. Botafogo turned the formbook on it's head to win the Taça Guanabara in front of 66,957 fans at the Maracanã. Fabio Ferreira headed Botafogo after 69 minutes but Vasco were reduced to 10 men three minutes later when Titi was sent off for a foul on Botafogo's semi final hero Ciao.

Six minutes from time Nilton was the second Vasco player to be sent off after a foul on Sebastian Abreu in the area and "El Loco" stepped up to convert the penalty to hand Vasco their first loss of the season and see Fogo retain their title. Abreu was a happy man after the game, he said "Sometimes we are not able to play great football, but we can always overcome that by playing with a lot of heart, like we did today." The celebrations began as Botafogo picked up the Taça Guanabara safe in the knowledge they will now contest the two legged state final at the end of April against the winner of the Taça Rio, unless of course Botafogo do the double.



The Taça Rio gets underway next weekend after Taça do Brasil and Libertadores committments are fulfilled in midweek and they line up like this.

Madureira x Boavista
Resende x Bangu
Macaé x Flamengo
Fluminense x Friburguense
Duque de Caxais x América
Olaria x Tigres do Brasil
Vasco da Gama x Volta Redonda
Americano x Botafogo

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Semi Finals

Vasco da Gama 0-0 Fluminense
Vasco advance 6-5 on penalties
Flamengo 1-2 Botafogo

Vasco da Gama and Botafogo will meet in the final of the Taça Guanabara on Sunday after contrasting semi finals over the past week.

Both games were held at the Maracanã and in the first semi final Vasco da Gama met Fluminense. It was a tense and nervous affair, there were seven yellow cards issued in the first half alone and both teams were guilty of missing chances, partricularly Fred from Fluminense. Vasco da Gama finished the game much stronger but couldn't find a way through the Flu defence. So the with the game scoreless after 90 minutes the tie would be decided by penalties, both teams were successful with their first 5 kicks sending it to sudden death. Nilton scored the sixth Vasco penalty and Alan was next up for Fluminense. His spot kick sent the Vasco keeper the wrong way but crashed back off the cross bar to put Vasco into the final.

There was a huge shock in the second semi-final when out of touch Botafogo came from behind to eliminate Flamengo. The Vultures were ahead in the 24th minute when Vinícuis Pacheco fired Fla ahead after good work in the build up from Vágner Love. The lead lasted 9 minutes, a shot from Gérman Herrera deflecting to Marcelo Cordeiro who then put the ball past Bruno. Flamengo looked to retake the lead but Adriano and Vágner Love weren't firing on the day and as the tie headed for penalties Botafogo grabbed a dramatic winner from Caio with seven minutes to go.

The two finalists meet again not long after Vasco's 6-0 victory in the group stages which cost Estevem Soares his job. But Joel Santana has come into Botafogo and steadied the ship and he has much experience in state football. The bookmakers will make Vasco favourites for the game but as the semi finals have proved, anything can happen.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 7

Americano 3-2 Duque de Caxias
Volta Redonda 1-2 Bangu
Botafogo 5-2 Resende
Macaé 0-1 Friburguense
América 3-0 Tigres do Brasil
Vasco da Gama 2-2 Madureira
Boavista 1-2 Flamengo
Olaria 0-0 Fluminense

The last round of the Taça Guanabara saw pride at stake as the only two sides not to record a win so far met up. Americano were pointless and Duque de Caxais had two draw to their name when the sides faced up. Americano stormed into a two goal lead through Patrick and Leandro Sena. Duque de Caxais fought back and levelled with goals from John and Juninho. As it looked like both teams were going to finish the stage winless, Patrick grabbed and injury time winner to give Americano their first win and leave Duque de Caxais bottom of Group A. Bangu left it late, very late to claim a 2-1 win at Volta Redonda. Marcio Guerrerio put Volta Redonda ahead in the 5th minute a lead they held until the very last minute of the match before conceding two late goals to crash to defeat.

Botafogo got the point they needed to reach the playoffs with a convincing 5-2 win over Resende. Fogo has to come from behind though as Elias put Resende ahead with less than 60 seconds on the clock. But finally "El Loco" came to the party, Sebastian Abreu grabbing a hat-trick before Marcelo Cordeiro and Wellington Júnior wrapped things up. Elias claimed a second, and a consolation, for Resende in injury time. Friburguense picked up their second win of the campaign with a 1-0 success at Macaé. Wallace grabbing the goal just before half time. América got their third win with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Tigres. A brace from Rafael Paty put América two up before half time before Osmar wrapped things up eighteen minutes from time to give América a fourth placed finish in Group B.

With the leadership of Group B assured, Vasco da Gama gave a rest to some key players and it allowed Madureira to grab a point. Alex Oliveira put Madureira ahead in the third minutes but Nilton levelled four minutes later. Arthur Sanches put Madureira ahead again two minutes after half time but they had to settle for a point and third place in Group B after Thiago Martinelli levelled 18 minutes from time. Flamengo finished top of Group A after a 2-1 win at Boavista. Bruno Mezenga put Flamengo ahead four minutes before half time but Edson levelled eleven minutes into the second half. Former Manchester United player Kleberson grabbed the winner on the hour to give Flamengo a semi final against Botafogo. Fluminense will take on Vasco da Gama in the other semi final after a scoreless draw with Olaria, who finished third in the Group A.

So the "Big 4" qualify for the semi finals of the Taça Guanabara. Its Flamengo v Botafogo and Vasco Da Gama v Fluminense. Keep an eye on our Twitter feed for confirmation of the dates and times of the those games.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 6

Bangu 2-0 Americano
Duque de Caxias 1-1 Volta Redonda
Tigres do Brasil 1-2 Macaé
Flamengo 3-3 Olaria
Friburguense 1-2 América
Resende 0-1 Vasco da Gama
Madureira 1-4 Botafogo
Fluminense 3-0 Boavista

With one week left to go in the qualifying stages everything is more or less determined for the finals of the Taça Guanabara. Flamengo and Fluminense are guaranteed from Group A whilst Vasco da Gama will qualify from Group B. Botafogo are currently in second but only need a point from the last round to make 100% sure of their place.

Americano remain pointless after a 2-0 defeat at Bangu. They were 8 minutes away from a point when Somalia put Bangu ahead before Pipico made the game safe in injury time. Duque de Caxias claimed their second point of the season with a home draw against Volta Redonda. Both goals came in the first half, Guilherme put Volta ahead after 20 minutes and Marcelo Macedo levelled six minutes later. Macaé got their first win of the season with an away success at Tigres do Brasil. Gilcimar put Tigres ahead seven minutes before half time, but Leo Santos levelled six minutes into the second half and Andre Gomes won it when he struck half way through the half. Tigres finished with 10 men with Oziel was dismissed seven minutes from time.

Flamengo were given a huge fright by Olaria at the Maracanã. Needing to win to keep their faint finals hopes alive Olaria threw everything at Flamengo and were ahead with 5 minutes on the clock when Caca put the visitors ahead. The lead lasted barely a minute before Adriano levelled matters. Vagner Love then put Flamengo ahead 10 minutes into the second half but three minutes later Araruama levelled and then a second from Caca put Olaria into a shock lead. Olaria held onto the lead for over 15 minutes but a second from Adriano levelled matters 8 minutes from time to guarantee Flamengo a finals berth. América picked up their second win of the season after a come from behind win at Friburguense. Sergio Gomes put Friburguense ahead half way through the first half but Daniel Morais levelled on the half hour before Adriano grabbed the winner 9 minutes before half time. Vasco da Gama ensured they would finish top in Group B after victory over Resende. The only goal came from the penalty spot after 17 minutes, Dodô's seventh of the campaign so far. Resende's cause wasn't helped when Nailton was sent off after 22 minutes.

Botafogo moved back into the play offs after a victory over Madureira in the big game of the week. Fábio Ferreira put Fogo ahead 6 minutes before half time before Caio doubled the lead with 15 minutes to go. Valdir pulled a goal back but Fogo finished the stronger and Fahel restored the two goal advantage before "El Loco" Sebastian Abreu put the game safe 5 minutes from time. Fluminense bounced back from their derby defeat to confirm their place in the finals after a 3-0 win over Boavista. Dario Conca set Flu on their way from the spot after 14 minutes and it took a late brace in the final ten minutes from Thiaguinho to wrap up the victory.

Final round before the play offs begin this weekend and they line up like this.....

Americano x Duque de Caxias
Volta Redonda x Bangu
Botafogo x Resende
Macaé x Friburguense
América x Tigres do Brasil
Vasco da Gama x Madureira
Boavista x Flamengo
Olaria x Fluminense

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 5

Resende 4-2 Tigres do Brasil
Americano 1-3 Volta Redonda
Botafogo 2-1 América
Bangu 3-0 Duque de Caxias
Boavista 3-0 Olaria
Friburguense 0-3 Vasco da Gama
Macaé 1-2 Madureira
Fluminense 3-5 Flamengo

Resende finally picked up their first win of the season with a 4-2 win over Tigres. Resende were three up by half time, a double from Elias and the third from Hiroshi right on half time. Hiroshi then grabbed a second 20 minutes into the second half before Tigres made the scoreline look respectable after goals from Jailson and Oziel. Volta Redonda made it two wins on the spin with a 3-1 win away at Americano. Mário César put Volta Redonda up on the half hour before late strikes from Washington and Adriano Felício wrapped things up. Botafogo continued their recovery after the Vasco debacle and a first win for new coach Joel Santana. They did it the hard way though after falling behind to a goal from Adriano half way through he first half. Sebastian Abreu's first goal for Botafogo levelled things ten minutes before hald time. It looked like Botafogo's play off chances may be hampered by a draw by Caio struck three minutes from time to eusure they kept the pressure on Madureira.

Madurerira remain in second in Group B after a 2-1 away victory at Macaé, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table. Vasco de Gama remain top of Group B after a comfortable 3-0 away win at Friburguense. After two years out of the game, you can't keep the man down as Dodô followed last weeks hat-trick against Botafogo with another treble strike to claim all three points for Vasco. Bangu picked up their first win of the season with a 3-0 win over Duque de Caxias. Bruno Santos put Bangu ahead after 10 mintues and Somalia doubled the advantage six minutes before the break. Sassa put the icing on the cake for Bangu in injury time at the end of the second half. Olaria fell to their first defeat of the season when they were comfortably beaten by Boavista. The goals came late in the second half, Tony with the first and Leo Guerriro with the second as Boavista kept their push for a play off place.

The big game of the weekend was of course at the Maracanã for the 371st Fla-Flu. Fluminense were on the back of a great run stretching back into last year and Flamengo hadn't made the best start to the season having conceded in every game they have played this season. That continued as Fluminense raced into a tenth minutes lead when Alan fired them ahead. Dario Conca doubled the advantage form the spot five minutes before half time, but Adriano pulled a goal back also from the penalty spot two minutes later, the first goal Fluminense had conceded all season. Cassio restored Fluminense's two goal lead just before half time after a deflection took the ball away from Bruno. Whatever was said in the Flamengo dressing room at half time had the desired effect. Eight minutes after half time the teams were level, Vagner Love with the first goal before Kleberson arrived late at the back post to level matters. Flamengo then had Alvaro sent off half way through the second half but the ten men rallied and Adriano put Flamengo ahead for the first time with 9 minutes to go after good work from Vagner Love. As Fluminense searched for an equaliser, Adriano broke away in the last minute and completed his hat-trick to complete a remarkable comeback for Flamengo.

Midweek round? Of course. The crucial game at Madureira where second place is up for grabs in Group B when Botafogo are the visitors.

Bangu x Americano
Duque de Caxias x Volta Redonda
Tigres do Brasil x Macaé
Madureira x Botafogo
Flamengo x Olaria
Friburguense x América
Resende x Vasco da Gama
Fluminense x Boavista

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 4

Olaria 2-0 Bangu

Madureira 2-1 Friburguense

América 2-2 Resende

Flamengo 3-2 Americano

Volta Redonda 3-0 Boavista

Tigres do Brasil 1-2 Botafogo

Duque de Caxais 0-4 Fluminense

Vasco da Gama 4-0 Macaé

Olaria made it three wins on the bounce and kept themselves in the hunt for a play off berth after a 2-0 success over Bangu. Caca put Olaria ahead with 20 minutes on the clock and Renato wrapped things up 10 minutes from time. Madureira remain in the play offs after a 2-1 win over Friburguense. Bruno had Madureira ahead with only 2 minutes on the clock but Alex Faria levelled six minutes into the second half but Madureira grabbed a winner to keep their good start to the season up. After winning at the weekend América had to settled for a point against Resende. Alexandro put Resende ahead after 13 minutes but the lead lasted only two minutes as Claudemir levelled. Three minutes after hald time Daniel Morais put América in front but Fabiano levelled seven minutes later to give Resende their third draw of the season.

With the start of the Libertadores only a fortnight away, Flamengo have still to keep a clean sheet this season. A first goal of the year from Adriano from the penalty spot quickly followed by a second from Fernando put Flamengo two up at half time. Diego Sales pulled a goal back from the spot with 10 minutes to go but a minute later Vágner Love restored the two goal avdvantage after exchanging passes with Adriano straight from the restart. There was still time though for the Flamengo defence to leak another goal, Itacare getting a consolation goal in injury time. Volta Redonda picked up their first win of the season and in the process ended Boavista's unbeated record. Tassio put the Volta Redonda ahead with 27 minutes on the clock and the grabbed a second on the hour. Maciel wrapped things up with 7 minutes left. Botafogo, in the temporary charge of Jair Ventura until Joel Santana takes over, managed to put their defeat to Vasco da Gama behind them to claim a 2-1 win away at Tigres. Gustavo Herrera put Fogo ahead with a quarter of an hour on the clock before Antonio Carlos doubled the lead six minutes into half time. Botafogo had to endure a nervous last 5 minutes when Oziel pulled a goal back but they hung on to remain third in group B.

The two Thursday games finished with identical scorelines. Fluminense have still to concede a goal in the competition this season as they brushed aside Duque de Caxias. Maicon set the ball rolling with 5 minutes on the clock and Júlio César doubled the lead half way through the first half. Marquinho wrapped up the win with a second half double to leave Fluminense in confident mood ahead of the Fla-Flu at weekend. Vasco da Gama made it ten goals in two games after disposing of Macaé to leave them searching for their first win. The game was over by half time, Leo Gago put Vasco ahead with 12 minutes on the clock. Rafael Coelho added a second half an hour gone and 7 minutes later Nilton put the result beyond doubt. Magno Cruz wrapped things up with a fourth nine minutes into the second half.

This weekend, it's the biggest game in the calendar as the Fla-Flu takes place at the Maracanã.

They line up like this.....

Resende x Tigres do Brasil

Americano x Volta Redonda

Botafogo x América

Bangu x Duque de Caxias

Boavista x Olaria

Friburguense x Vasco da Gama

Macaé x Madureira

Fluminense x Flamengo



Note: With this review being posted so soon after the games have been completed, we will edit in the highlights we can find as soon as they become available.

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 3

Resende 1-2 Madureira
Bangu 1-2 Flamengo
Macaé 2-3 América
Boavista 0-0 Duque de Caxias
Friburguense 3-1 Tigres do Brasil
Fluminense 1-0 Volta Redonda
Americano 1-5 Olaria
Botafogo 0-6 Vasco da Gama

Madureira climbed into second in group B after a 2-1 away victory at Resende. Marcelo Ramos put them ahead just after half time before Obina grabbed a second ten minutes from time. Alexandro grabbed a consolation for Resende in injury time. Flamengo wheeled out the big guns for their trip to Bangu with Vagner Love and Adriano both starting the game. It was Love though who grabbed the headlines getting both Flamengo goals in the first half. Tiano grabbed one back for Bangu just before the break but Flamengo held on to their 100% record. Bebeto picked up his first win as coach of América but they had to withold a late charge from Macaé. Daniel Morais and Gerson fired them two goals ahead at half time and a second from Morais on 58 minutes looked to have wrapped things up. Three minutes later Andres Gomes pulled a goal back and when he added a second 10 minutes later América were left to hold on for that all important first win.

Boavista lost their 100% record when they were held to a goaless draw by Duque de Caxias but remain in the hunt for a finals spot. Friburguense picked up their first win of the season with a 3-1 success over Tigres do Brasil. Hercules put Friburguense ahead with only seven minutes on the clock and Bidu extended the lead after 52 minutes. Gilcimar pulled a goal back for Tigres but Hercules wrapped things up with his second thirteen minutes from time. Fluminense remain top of Group A on goal difference after scraping past Volta Redonda by a single goal. Leandro Euzebio settling the game with seven minutes on the clock. Olaria also remain unbeated in Group A after brushing aside bottom of the table Americano. Diego and Aleilson had Olaria two up inside the opening twelve minutes. Nirley halved the defecit with 27 minutes on the clock but Americano folded in the second half as Renato, a second from Aleilson and an own goal from William wrapped things up.

The biggest game of weekend came at the Engenhão as Botafogo, with Sebatian Abreu on debut, faced Vasco da Gama in the "Black and White" derby where veteran striker Dodô scored a first-half hat trick in just his third match back from a two-year doping suspension to help Vasco rout a 10-man Botafogo 6-0. Dodô was suspended after testing positive for a banned stimulant while playing Botafogo in a match against Vasco da Gama in 2007.

Dodô opened the scoring after just three minutes with a low shot from the edge of the area. Botafogo were then reduced to 10 men in the 14th minute after Eduardo was shown a straight red card for nasty foul on Vasco midfielder Souza. Dodô then doubled the lead in the 32nd minute from close range and completed his hat-trick just two minutes later.

Vasco went for the throat in the second half and Leo Gago increased the lead with a powerful free strike in the 56th minute before Phillipe Coutinho put the nails in the Botafogo coffin with goals on the hour and eight minutes from time.

Again there is a full round of fixtures in midweek.

Olaria x Bangu
Madureira x Friburguense
América x Resende
Flamengo x Americano
Volta Redonda x Boavista
Tigres do Brasil x Botafogo
Duque de Caxias x Fluminense
Vasco da Gama x Macaé

Campeonato Carioca - Taça Guanabara Week 2

Fluminense 3-0 Bangu
Resende 3-3 Macaé
Boavista 2-0 Americano
Tigres do Brasil 2-1 Madureira
Volta Redonda 1-3 Flamengo
América 1-2 Vasco da Gama
Duque de Caxias 1-2 Olaria
Botafogo 2-0 Friburguense

Fluminense's marvellous run of form, stretching back into last year, continued with a comfortable win over Bangu. Cult hero Fred grabbed two goals from the spot and Alan wrapped things up in injury time. An entertaining game at Resende saw the hosts grab a late point against Macaé. Anderson put Macaé ahead after sixteen minutes but two goals in a second half minute from Alexandro and Hiroshi put Resende ahead. A second from Anderson levelled things with twenty minutes to go and Macaé must have through they had the points in the bag when Andre Gomes put them ahead with just two minutes to go. But Resense immediately attacked and a second from Hiroshi grabbed them a point. Boavista maintained their 100% record with a 2-0 win over Americano. Paulo Rodrigues broke the deadlock with a quarter of an hour left before Galvao wrapped up the win three minutes from time.

Tigres got their first win of the season with a 2-1 success over Madureira. Gilcimar put Tigres ahead after twenty minute but Marcelo Ramos levelled matters just before half time. Denis grabbed the winner half way through the second half. Flamengo picked up their second win, this time away at Volta Redonda. A quick fire double from Bruno Mezenga put Fla two up at half time but things got a little nervy when Tassio pulled a goal back just short of the hour. The Flamengo ship was steadied though by the evergreen Serbian Dejan Petkovic when he struck with 20 minutes to go. América are still waiting for their first victory of the season after going down 2-1 to Vasco da Gama at the Engenhão. Nilton and Carlos Alberto put Vasco two up before a late consolation from América.

Duque de Caxias are still searching for their first point after going down at home to Olaria. Aleilson put Olaria ahead with only six minutes gone but Geovani levelled just before the half hour the visitors grabbed a second half winner. Botafogo also remain unbeaten after a 2-0 win over Friburguense. The visitors were reduced to 10 men when Bidu was sent off five minutes into the second half but it took Botafogo 73 minutes to break down some resolute defending. Renato Cajá broke the deadlock before Gustavo Herrera made the points safe a minute from time.

A full round takes place this weekend, the big game of the weekend is the clash between Botafogo and Vasco da Gama.

Resense x Madureira
Bangu x Flamengo
Macaé x América
Boavista x Duque de Caxias
Friburguense x Tigres do Brasil
Fluminense x Volta Redonda
Americano x Olaria
Botafogo x Vasco da Gama