Botafogo kicked off the Campeonato Carioca with a 2-0 win over Portuguesa-RJ at Estádio Luso-Brasileiro. Relying on youth squad players, the team scored through Caio Valle and Lucas Camilo. The match took place on Thursday evening, January 15.
The clash between Portuguesa-RJ and Botafogo opened the Campeonato Carioca at Estádio Luso-Brasileiro on Governor's Island. Botafogo, fielding youth academy players, controlled the game and secured a 2-0 victory.
In the first half, Botafogo generated early threats. At the 4th minute, Caio Valle's free kick was saved by goalkeeper Douglas Borges. At the 19th, Danillo's goal was disallowed for ball out of play. Marquinhos followed with a powerful shot, which Borges parried well. Portuguesa leveled the play but saw Guilherme Silveira's header ruled out for offside at the 44th minute.
The second half started with Botafogo's penalty after Felipe Januário was fouled in the box. Caio Valle slotted it into the right corner for 1-0. Portuguesa pushed forward, but Botafogo's keeper Raul shone at the 27th minute, stopping two shots from Uelber. Later, at the 43rd, Uelber missed an open goal, firing over an empty net from a corner deflection.
The second goal arrived in stoppage time as Lucas Camilo unleashed a rocket into the top corner, beyond Borges' reach. Botafogo earns three points, placing second in Group B tied with Nova Iguaçu but trailing on goal difference. Portuguesa, pointless, sits fourth in Group A.
Both teams return on Sunday, January 18. Botafogo visits Sampaio Corrêa at 8:30 PM, while Portuguesa hosts Maricá at the same time and venue.
