Botafogo beats Flamengo to rise to top of Brazil’s Serie A
► Jefferson Savarino scored one goal and set up another as Botafogo climbed to the top of Brazil’s Serie A standings on Sunday with a 2-0 away win over Rio de Janeiro rivals Flamengo.
Luiz Henrique put the visitor ahead just after halftime at the Maracana stadium when he latched onto Savarino’s corner with a low volley from the edge of the 18-yard box that flew into the bottom-left corner.
Venezuela international winger Savarino doubled the lead by firing a first-time effort past goalkeeper Agustin Rossi after Jeffinho’s slide-rule pass.
« We played well as a team and we deserved the result but as far as I’m concerned it’s just one victory, » Botafogo manager Artur Jorge told reporters after the match.
« I can understand that this is an important rivalry and for our fans the result could have a wider impact. Having said that, our aim is always to win, irrespective of who we are playing against. »
The result leaves Botafogo with nine points from four games, a point ahead of second-placed Atletico Mineiro. Flamengo is eighth, two points further back.
In other Brazilian Serie A fixtures on Sunday, Cruzeiro won 3-1 at home to Vitoria, Corinthians cruised to a 3-0 home victory over Fluminense, Fortaleza drew 1-1 at home to Bragantino, Athletico Paranaense drew 1-1 at Juventude and Atletico Goianiense drew 1-1 at Internacional.
