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Botafogo continued their strong start to the 2026 Campeonato Carioca with a 2-0 victory over Bangu on Saturday night at Nilton Santos. Santiago Rodríguez broke through early in the second half with a free kick, and substitute Alex Telles added a penalty. The result left Botafogo on 9 points atop Group B, while Bangu stayed on 6 points in Group A.
Botafogo stay top of Group B after 2-0 Cariocão win over Bangu
Botafogo beat Bangu 2-0 on Saturday night at Nilton Santos in the Campeonato Carioca, with both goals coming after the break. Santiago Rodríguez opened the scoring in the ninth minute of the second half, and Alex Telles doubled the lead in the 29th minute after coming on as a substitute. The win moved Botafogo to 9 points at the top of Group B.
The match turned after a first half that produced little end product. Rodríguez struck from a free kick that deceived goalkeeper Bruno, and the Uruguayan was described as the technical standout while he was on the pitch. Botafogo continued to press, with Vitinho hitting the crossbar and Bruno producing key saves to keep Bangu in the contest.
Telles made the points safe from the spot after Matheus Martins won a penalty. The full-back sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-0, capping a decisive spell in which Botafogo’s control became clear on the scoreboard. Bruno was singled out as Bangu’s best player despite the defeat.
Statistics in the report underlined Botafogo’s dominance, including 71% possession and more than 700 completed passes. Martín Anselmi’s 3-5-2 system was credited with working well defensively and limiting Bangu to few clear chances. Bangu remained on 6 points in Group A, with the report noting increased competition from Fluminense and Volta Redonda.
