Barra Mansa took all three points against Buzeos in the fifth round of the Carioca B2 Group Stage on Monday. The home side saw out a 1:0 victory at their ground, with the decisive moment arriving in the thirty-fourth minute. It was a result that kept them in touch with the rest of the field, even if they remain winless so far.
The goal, scored at the thirty-fourth mark, was enough to decide things. After that, neither side found a way to change the scoreline again. Barra Mansa kept their heads and saw it out, even though they have never won a game this season.
In the table, the hosts sit tenth with three points from four matches. That means zero wins, three draws and a single defeat. Buzeos, meanwhile, occupy eleventh place with nothing at all — four losses and no points to show for their efforts.
Recent form tells its own story. Barra Mansa drew with Paduano and Campus, beat Parati, but lost to Seven April. Buzeos have not managed a point in any of their last five outings — losses against Serra Macaense, Santo Cruz RJ, Cardoso Moreira twice and Rio de Janeiro.
And here's the thing, we had this one flagged as a home win with seventy-two percent confidence. By then, it was not a surprise that Barra Mansa took the points. They found the answer when it mattered, even if the margin was narrow.
The scoreline does not move either side dramatically in the standings. But three points, however hard-earned, are better than none — especially when you are staring at the drop.
