Coach Adílio's team makes the most of the big advantage gained in the first match

Fred Huber

From GLOBOESPORTE.COM

Kayke was one of the champions of the Otávio Pinto Guimarães Cup for Fla. Fluminense beat Flamengo this Wednesday by 3-0, in Laranjeiras, but could not prevent the red-black title in the Otávio Pinto Guimarães Cup (OPG), since in the first game Fla won by 5-0. Despite the poor performance in this game, coach Adílio's team took advantage of the greater experience of its players, some with professional experience, such as Thiago Sales, Paulo Sérgio, Marcinho and Kayke.

The game started very tensely, with numerous fouls on both sides. The Tricolor, needing to close the gap, went on the attack and took advantage of the red-and-blacks' lack of interest. In a quick attack, Alan fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box to make it 1-0. Flu continued to press and, thanks to another blunder by the opposing defense, extended their lead through Leo Itaperuna: 2-0.

Buoyed by their ease, the home team scored another goal in the first half. Fernando took a commanding shot to make it 3-0. The locker room "talk" by players Roger, Luiz Alberto, Junior Cesar, and Ricardo Berna seemed to have motivated the young Tricolor players significantly. In the first half, Flamengo only threatened with individual plays by Paulo Sérgio and set pieces.

In the second half, the Tricolor team launched an attack hoping to take the lead from their opponent. Despite facing intense pressure, Flamengo managed to halt Fluminense's momentum and was crowned champion. A lap of honor and a red-and-black celebration in Laranjeiras.

Flamengo took to the field with: Paulo Victor; Davidson, Anderson Bamba, Thiago Sales and Leo Ribeiro; Marcinho, Diego Moura, Erick Flores (Wellington) and Rodrigo Andrade; Paulo Sérgio (Vander) and Kayke (Antonio Carlos). Flu played with: Klever; Maycon (Diego), Sandro, Rodrigo and Robson (Felipe); Fernando, Mayaro, Caio and Tartá; Alan (Anderson Gaúcho) and Leo Itaperuna.