Adriano's last-minute goal keeps Flamengo from losing to Botafogo
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Across town at Botafogo's Engenhao stadium, Flamengo was able to produce a last minute goal and tie Sunday's fifth round match of the second half of the Rio de Janeiro state championship by the score of 2-2.
Botafogo's Herrera scored twice, as did Adriano for Flamengo.
The game's first goal came from the home team. Flamengo's Everton Silva tripped-up Lucio Flavio just outside of the penalty box. However, the referee misjudged where the foul took place and awarded Botafogo with a penalty kick. Hererra converted the kick in the 16th minute, just barely making it past a diving Flamengo goalie, Bruno.
Flamengo responded quickly. In the 20th minute, Kleberson passed a great ball through the defense, finding a sliding Adriano who pushed the ball past Botafogo's goalkeeper, Jefferson.
Botafogo reclaimed the lead in the 54th minute. Somalia crossed the ball towards the Flamengo net when Herrera cut through the defense and tapped the ball into the back of the net.
Flamengo struggled to produce another goal. After four great chances on goal, Adriano finally scored the equalizer in the 93rd minute of play. Off a stopped ball foul, Adriano rose above the Botafogo defense and headed the ball through Jefferson's hands and into the goal.
The last minute goal saved Flamengo from suffering their first defeat of the second half of play. The result was positive for both teams as they both remain in first place of their respective groups of the tournament. With 13 points, Flamengo stands in first place of Group A. Botafogo leads Group B with 10 points.
In the next round of play, Flamengo will play against Tigres do Brasil on March 24. On March 25, Botafogo plays host Volta Redonda. Only three rounds of play remain before the playoffs of the second half of the tournament begin.
The winner of the second half of the tournament will face the winner of the first half, Botafogo, deciding the winner of the Rio de Janeiro state championship.
Should Botafogo win the second half, they will be the undisputed state champion, clinching the title.
