Santo Cruz defeated Rio de Janeiro 3-1 in the fourth match of the Carioca B2 Group Stage on Monday. The away side took control of the fixture with a flurry of goals that stretched the home team's defence. The result leaves Santo Cruz in third place while Rio de Janeiro remain in ninth position.
Four goals were scored during the first half of the encounter. Santo Cruz opened the scoring in the twenty-first minute before adding another in the twenty-fourth. Rio de Janeiro responded with a goal of their own in the thirty-ninth minute, but the visitors struck again almost immediately in the fortieth to seal their lead.
Before kickoff, Santo Cruz sat third in the table with nine points from four games. Rio de Janeiro occupied ninth place with four points from their first four matches. The gap between the sides reflected the difference in their form this season.
Rio de Janeiro's recent record shows mixed results. They beat Busiós 3-1 in August but lost 0-1 to Cardoso Moreira in their most recent outing. Santo Cruz have been more consistent, winning three of their last four matches including a 3-0 victory over Busiós.
A prediction of away success was made before the match with 54 per cent confidence. That assessment proved accurate as Santo Cruz managed the game effectively after taking the lead. The visitors showed they can raise the tempo when they need to.
The victory moves Santo Cruz further clear in the group standings. Rio de Janeiro's hopes of climbing the table face another obstacle after this defeat. The result keeps the third-placed side within touching distance of the top positions.
