An unusual reason took one of Vasco's possible starters out of the match against Botafogo, which ended 3-0 for the championship leader
Vasco entered the field against Botafogo without striker Emerson Rodríguez, who was sidelined after missing a crucial training session before the classic. The player's absence was felt in the match, held this Tuesday, at the Nilton Santos Stadium, where Botafogo won 3-0, in yet another brilliant performance that consolidated its lead in the Brazilian Championship.
In an excellent phase, Botafogo showed superiority on the field and gave Vasco no chance, expanding its advantage in the Brasileirão table, with just six rounds remaining.
In a moment of pure inspiration, Luiz Henrique scored one of the goals with a touch of “kiddie football”, enchanting the fans. Savarino and Júnior Santos, who returned to the pitch after more than a month, also found the back of the net, closing the score.
Emerson Rodríguez's absence was a consequence of a decision by Vasco's technical committee and football department, which excluded him from the squad list after he missed Sunday's training session at CT Moacyr Barbosa.
And the excuse given by the athlete was, to say the least, unusual. Emerson reported to the club that he had an argument with his wife the night before, which led to him sleeping late and not waking up in time for training. Although the board understood the personal context, it considered the absence unjustifiable due to the importance of the activity, one of the main ones in preparing for the classic.
In addition to Emerson, Vasco was also without midfielder Jair, who, having recently recovered from injury, was spared to avoid wear and tear on the synthetic pitch at the Nilton Santos Stadium.
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