Vitoria vs Botafogo RJ

Vitória ground out a battling 1-0 win over Botafogo at a rain-soaked Barradão, snapping a rough patch of results with goalkeeper Lucas Arcanjo delivering a standout performance between the posts. The only goal came in the 26th minute when Matheuzinho converted from the penalty spot after Huguinho hauled down Renê inside the box, sending goalkeeper Warleson the wrong way. Matheuzinho thought he had doubled the lead soon after, but the semi-automatic offside system chalked it off. Arcanjo denied Arthur Cabral and Júnior Santos to preserve the lead. Drama continued after the final whistle, as Cabral was sent off for covering his mouth during a heated argument with Vitória coach Jair Ventura, falling under the so-called Vini Jr law. The victory ends a stretch of one draw and three defeats for Vitória, lifting them to 12th place with 29 points. Botafogo drop to 11th on 30 points, still chasing their next win and facing a daunting comeback in the Copa Sudamericana.