Rio de Janeiro: Botafogo dominated rivals Vasco da Gama in the fourth round of the Rio Cup, cruising to a 3-1 victory thanks to a hat-trick from Fellype Gabriel.

Due to the participation in the 2012 Libertadores Cup, Vasco da Gama entered the match Sunday with a line-up consisting mainly of reserve players.

Botafogo took full advantage of that fact and grabbed a two-goal lead before the break with goals from Gabriel in the 33rd minute and the 36th minute.

Vasco da Gama's only goal came in the 48th minute when Fellipe Bastos drove a free kick over the defensive wall of Botafogo players, past a helpless keeper Jefferson and into the upper right corner of the goal, Xinhua reported.

Botafogo doubled their lead again with another goal from Gabriel in the 71st minute.

The win maintains Botafogo's undefeated run in the Rio de Janeiro state championship with three wins and one draw. Botafogo are in second place of Group A with 10 points.

Despite the loss, Vasco da Gama are still in first place of Group B with 7 points. In the next round, they will face Resende at home March 25. (IANS)