Flamengo beat Botafogo 3-0 at Maracanã, in a classic match valid for the Brazilian Championship. The comfortable score, however, doesn't reflect the difficulty that Leonardo Jardim's team had in overcoming a Botafogo devoid of offensive resources. Flamengo created good chances in the first half but wasted them, and Bellão's interim Botafogo came out more active for the second half, briefly managing to control the game.
Botafogo, despite showing grit and courage against a more qualified opponent, suffered its third consecutive defeat. The club ended July in eighth place, fighting for a spot in the G5, but finished August in 12th place, just five points away from the relegation zone.
Botafogo's situation is delicate. The coach is interim, the investor who will take control of the SAF hasn't yet taken over management, and the team lacks reinforcements. For the next round, the club will face Palmeiras, the league leader who stumbled against Mirassol and allowed Flamengo to close the gap in the standings.
