RIO DE JANEIRO, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Vasco da Gama beat cross town rival Botafogo 4-1 on Thursday in the second round of the second half of the Rio de Janeiro state soccer championship.

    With the win, Vasco finally stopped their losing streak against Botafogo in state tournaments. Since 2002, Vasco has lost to Botafogo five times and tied three times.

    Vasco da Gama's goals came from Elton, who scored twice respectively in the 2nd and 60th minute, Leo Lima on 82 minutes and Carlos Alberto at 92.

    For Botafogo, Thiaguinho scored the team's only goal of the game before the interval.

    During the game, eight yellow cards were handed out with Vasco was given five.

    After the match, Vasco stands atop the standings of Group B in the state tournament on six points.

    In the next round of play, Vasco will travel to play at Boavista. Botafogo will also play on the road as they head to Cabo Frio. Both games will be held on Sunday.