Quick-thinking Gustavo Henrique helps Flamengo edge Botafogo | OneFootball

Flamengo move into third place in the Série A table after beating rivals Botafogo 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium.

In the end, Gustavo Henqirue’s tactical sacrifice helped his team take home the three points.

After a goalless first half, Everton Ribeiro broke the deadlock to give the visitors the lead after 55 minutes.

Later, manager Rogerio Ceni was forced to substitute Bruno Henrique off after 78 minutes after he felt some discomfort.

The club confirmed he “felt pain in the posterior tendon of his right knee” and will be reassessed on Monday.

Botafogo’s Victor Luis saw red at the 85-minute mark and Flamengo had an extra man on the pitch.

The hosts almost tied the match but Henrique earned himself a sending off after making a last-ditch tackle to stop Botafogo from scoring.

Ceni, however, was unphased by his decision making.

“It has been a long time since Flamengo finished a game without conceding goals,” he said after the match.

“Gustavo Henrique did the right thing, he corrected it even though he had to sacrifice.”

With the result, Flamengo move one step closer towards the top of the table just two points behind leaders São Paulo.