Botafogo see off Bangu to lift Taça Rio for the 10th time | OneFootball

Botafogo was crowned champion of the Taça Rio this Saturday, by defeating Bangu 3-1 at the Nilton Santos Stadium. Edenílson scored his first goal for the Glorioso in the first half, while Caio Valle and Joaquín Correa sealed the victory in the second half. Luizinho scored for the Alvirrubro.

With this victory, Botafogo claims its 10th trophy in the tournament, becoming the second most successful team in the competition, behind Vasco, which has 11 titles.

📋 Match Summary

⚫ BOTAFOGO 3 x 1 BANGU 🔴

🏆 Competition: Taça Rio 🏟️ Location: Nilton Santos Olympic Stadium 📅 Date: March 7, 2026 (Saturday) ⏰ Time: 6 PM (Brasília time) 🟨 Yellow Cards: Kadu, Wellington Zarú (Bangu) 🟥 Red Cards: None

Refereeing

Goals

⚫Botafogo

Raul; Kadu, Justino, and Ythallo; Villalba, Edenilson (Marquinhos), Arthur Novaes, Nathan Fernandes (Jhoán Hernández), and Caio Valle; Arthur Cabral. Coach: Martín Anselmi

🔴 Bangu

Bruno; Dudu, Gilberto, Kadu (Wellington Zarú), and Ricardo Sena; Dioguinho (Kauan Guilherme), Pedro China (Marcelinho), and Walber (Garrinsha); Douglas Lima (PK), Luizinho, and Lucas Sibito. Coach: Flávio Tinoco

Match Overview

FIRST HALF

Botafogo pushed forward and relied on plays down the flanks to try and dominate the game. However, the first clear chance of the match was for Bangu. Lucas Sibito took advantage of Arthur Novaes' mistake in ball clearance, struck hard, and the ball went just wide of the post. Gradually, Martín Anselmi's team exploited spaces and took the lead. Joaquín Correa made a great run and passed to Arthur Cabral. The forward created space and set up Edenilson to finish with precision in the 16th minute.

Bangu attempted a comeback and threatened with shots from Walber and Ricardo Sena. In a methodical manner, Botafogo tried to maintain its dominance. Caio Valle paved the way for Nathan Fernandes to make a run into the box, but his shot was well saved by Bruno. Shortly after, Arthur Cabral advanced down the left and attempted a cross, but the ball didn't reach Edenilson.

SECOND HALF

Botafogo returned from the break more aggressive and needed just five minutes to extend their lead. Villalba advanced down the right and crossed into the box. Caio Valle, with precision, found the net. The black-and-whites remained assertive and had a chance to score a third goal at ten minutes. Joaquín Correa got past Kadu and fell after contact from Kauan Guilherme. The referee awarded a penalty. Joaquín Correa himself took the shot and sent Bruno the wrong way, increasing Botafogo's lead at 12.

Martín Anselmi's team tried to control the pace of the game but ended up relaxing too much, allowing Bangu to reduce the deficit. Ytallo fumbled, and Garrinsha stole the ball. Number 7 set up Wellington Zarú, who assisted Luizinho. The forward calmly finished past goalkeeper Raul. Buoyed by the goal, Bangu continued to press forward with Garrinsha's efforts. Flávio Tinoco's team posed a threat with attempts from PK and Luizinho. After a corner, Gilberto headed the ball onto the crossbar.

Gradually, Botafogo calmed the game and secured the 3-1 victory, clinching the Taça Rio title. At the end of the match, the fans chanted “Tuesday is war!”, referring to the return leg against Barcelona de Guayaquil scheduled for March 3 at Nilton Santos.

Next Match

Botafogo

*By Gazeta Press

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.