The return leg between Flamengo and Botafogo in the finals of the Rio de Janeiro state soccer championship on Sunday went into overtime and directly into penalty kicks with Flamengo winning the state title.
The 2-2 score, the same as the first leg of the series, caused for great emotions as the title would be decided by the team's respective goalkeepers.
Bruno, Flamengo's expert goalie, proved to be the superior one, blocking two shots and guaranteeing Flamengo the state title.
With Sunday's victory, Flamengo now leads all teams in the state of Rio de Janeiro with 31 state trophies. They broke their tie with Fluminense who holds onto 30 state titles. It was also Flamengo's head coach, Cuca's first title with team. Last year, he headed Botafogo.
"It is sensational to be able to win yet another state championship with Flamengo. The fans are fantastic. The finals against Botafogo were tough and well balanced, but with our fans support, we prevailed and won our third straight state title," cheered Bruno, Flamengo's star goalkeeper.
(Xinhua News Agency May 4, 2009)
