Happy birthday, Nation! The celebration that began in the morning ended this Thursday afternoon at the Maracanã, with a 1-0 victory over Santos in the Brazilian Championship. It was a game with little excitement in the first half, but with an electrifying second half and decisive plays until the very end. With this result, Flamengo reached 63 points, remaining in second place, still seven points behind the leader Palmeiras. On the birthday, more than 46 fans were at the Maracanã to cut the birthday cake. 

Flamengo took to the field looking to overcome their last-round defeat and get back into the title race. The stands were packed, and from the start, the team pressured Santos, had more possession and more scoring chances. But the ball just wouldn't go in. Flamengo had 13 shots on goal and Santos only one. But the shots went wide or posed little danger, which didn't change the overall picture of the match much. At the end of the first half, a 0-0 draw was the fairest result.

The halftime talk worked. Dorival brought on Henrique Dourado in place of Uribe, and the team came back determined to finish the game. However, Santos had the best chance in the 20th minute, with Gabriel going one-on-one with César, but the goalkeeper made his first great save of the match. The best was yet to come. 

Earlier, at 27 minutes, the Maracanã stadium erupted. Berrio made a great play and set up Dourado. The Reaper took it first time and didn't miss. The goal for the birthday celebration was ready. The stadium erupted, and Flamengo finally released the roar of a goal from the fans' throats. However, football is cruel, and sometimes there's something waiting at the end. 

At 43 minutes, the referee awarded a penalty to Santos, which the on-field referee didn't see. But the stadium didn't fall silent. They chanted César's name nonstop. Gabriel stepped up to take the penalty, and the young Flamengo goalkeeper made a commanding save. He was embraced by the entire team. At that point, there was no turning back. The result was secured, victory in the bag, and Happy Birthday, Flamengo!