Many pundits had been looking forward to this game as with both of the sides preferring attacking to defending, it could be a classic.
The start didn’t disappoint. Botafogo could have took the lead three minutes in when Elkeson skipped a few challenges in the midfield and unleashed an effort towards goal but it went narrowly wide amidst the party atmosphere at the start of the match.
Tricolor could have also took the advantage on the fifth minute through Cicero who’s bicycle kick went over after good work from Liverpool target Lucas Moura.
The match started at an amazing pace with both sides pressing to break the deadlock and Lucas’ cross to Elkeson was headed against the post as it seemed only a matter of time before the first goal was scored.
Despite Sao Paulo having goal-scoring efforts through Lucas and Rhodolfo, it was Botafogo who took the lead. Maicousuel shuffled through two defenders on the left, got to the byline and his low cross into the six-yard area, was met by Abreu, who tapped home.
On the balance of play, it was probably what Botafogo deserved in this open match. They continued to grow in confidence with Elkeson looking continually dangerous in midfield and they deservedly doubled their lead seven minutes before the break.
Wellington stepped on the right foot of Renato in the area and the Uruguayan Abreu stepped up to slot the ball home.
The second half started with Rivaldo being brought on for Juan as Adilson Batista looks to avoid defeat in this crucial title match.
It seemed to have the desired effect as Sao Paulo began to work their way back into the match. On the 65th minute, they got their reward. Rivaldo was crucial in the build-up as he supplied the call to Cicero who was allowed to shoot from distance, and subsititute Henrique tucked home after the keeper Renan spilled.
Sao Paulo continued to press without any obvious chances, until the last minute. It was Rivaldo who lived up to his legend status when he grabbed the equaliser from a header off a Rodrigo Ceni free-kick.
With the last minute equaliser, Sao Paulo dropped to third just ahead of Botafogo who stay in fourth.
