RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Under the watchful eye of Flamengo's new head coach Joel Santana, the team battled to a scoreless draw against rival Botafogo on Sunday in the first half of the 2012 Rio de Janeiro state championship.

Despite a match full of offensive mobility, both goalkeepers assured that the game would remain tied. Flamengo's Felipe and Botafogo's Jefferson played extremely well, defending multiple shots from the opponents attack.

Joel Santana watched the game from afar, still not officially confirmed as Flamengo's head coach after Vanderlei Luxemburgo's dismissal on February 2. Santana is expected to be officially announced on February 6.

Due to the result, both teams fall out of the top of the standings. Flamengo falls to third place with 6 points, trailed by fourth place Botafogo with 6 points. Nova Iguacu stands in a surprising first place of Group A with 8 points.

Botafogo returns to the state tournament in the fifth round at home against Olaria on February 8. On the following day, Flamengo will receive Madureira, most likely under the command of Joel Santana and with striker Vagner Love at his disposal.