Flamengo wins first game in Rio de Janeiro state final

BRASILIA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- The game between Flamengo and Botafogo on Sunday for the Rio de Janeiro state finals was won by Flamengo.

With the score of 1-0, Flamengo now has a lead and the advantage to win the state tournament. However, Botafogo has not given up hope about turning the tides and raising the trophy.

"Flamengo deserves today's win. But, I think that we have all the potential to win next Sunday's game and win the state title. Usually, we don't play two bad games back-to-back," said the midfielder of Botafogo, Tulio.

Wellington Paulista, the leading scorer of the tournament with 14 goals and forward for Botafogo, reiterated the words of his teammate.

"I agree with Tulio. We have all the conditions to win the next game along with the tournament. We lost a lot of chances in front of the goal today. In such an exciting and important game like this, it is fundamental to capitalize on every opportunity," said Paulista.

In order to become the Rio de Janeiro state champions, Botafogo will need to defeat Flamengo by a difference of two or more goals. Should they achieve the mark of a two goal advantage, the game will head into a penalty kick playoff to determine the winner.