Flamengo took another important step towards the top of the Taça Guanabara on Saturday afternoon, defeating Cabofriense 3-0 at Correão Stadium in Cabo Frio. Rodrigo Muniz (2) and Gomes scored the goals. Flamengo started the match in third place with 29 points, one behind Botafogo and Vasco, the competition leaders, and now has 32. With today's victory, the Garotos do Ninho temporarily took the lead in the State Championship; the black and white leaders play this Sunday. Next Sunday (30), the Mais Querido hosts Bonsucesso in Gávea, at 11 am.

The game:

Looking for a win to start the second half well, Flamengo started the match by pressing Cabofriense on their own half. Despite having more possession early on, the "Garotos do Ninho" (Nest Boys) rushed forward with numerous long passes and through balls, which ended up creating spaces for counterattacks. The first good chance of the game only came in the 19th minute. Bruno Gabriel crossed from the right and Rhyan headed dangerously just wide of the post, but the referee had already stopped play to flag the Flamengo striker for offside.

Due to the poor condition of the pitch, the ball remained very lively, and both teams arrived late to the pitch, committing excessive fouls. It wasn't until the 37th minute that Flamengo got another good opportunity. Lucas Gabriel capitalized on the space left by Cabofriense's defense and unleashed a good shot from outside the box. Three minutes later, goalkeeper João Fernando broke a great ball to Rodrigo Muniz, who made a good run on the left wing and was awarded the free kick. Following the play, Yuri took a shot into the box, and Muniz himself headed over the goal. The home side were hardly threatening when, late in the first half, Bruno Gabriel attempted a shot after a rebound in the box, but the opposing defender blocked it with his arm—a penalty! Gomes stepped up to take the shot, putting Flamengo ahead.

After halftime, the scene was the same as the first half, a very tight game in midfield. Until the 10th minute, Bryan crossed from the right; the Cabofriense goalkeeper didn't come out to intercept, and Rodrigo Muniz chested it into the goal. The opposing defender tried to prevent the goal from being blocked on the line, but Muniz, alert, finished into the back of the net, extending the Garotos do Ninho's lead. In the 24th minute, the team from Região dos Lagos had their best chance. After a free kick in the red-and-black box, Murilo headed the ball against the post, forcing João Fernando to make a great save.

With the ball at their feet, Flamengo appeared more organized and was able to capitalize on their attacking moves. On one of these offensive runs, Rodrigo Muniz sprinted, beat the ball twice, and burst into the box. His low shot was partially saved by goalkeeper Patrick. Bruno Gabriel then failed to score because he had no space to finish under pressure from his defense. Flamengo didn't stop there; in the next play, in the 27th minute, João Gabriel took a corner kick at mid-height, the ball fell to Muniz, who controlled it and hit a beautiful left-footed cross shot to seal the match. Flamengo 3-0 over Cabofriense.

Escalation:

João Fernando, Brian, Teo, Lucas Chagas and Italo; Lucas Gabriel, Gomes, Yuri and Bruno Gabriel; Rhyan and Rodrigo Muniz