Reaper scores and Flamengo beats Botafogo

The result qualifies Flamengo for the Guanabara Cup semi-final.

By Lucas Dantas - in 10/02/2018 às 14:29

Mission accomplished with a debut goal. Henrique Dourado scored the winning goal for Flamengo in a 2-1 victory over Botafogo this Saturday at Raulino de Oliveira, in Volta Redonda, and Flamengo secured a place in the Guanabara Cup final. The match will be next Sunday (18), against Boavista, with the location yet to be defined. Everton scored Flamengo's first goal and Kieza scored for Botafogo.

Fan club members have the pride of playing alongside each victory: the money goes to football and brings more reinforcements, new talent, and infrastructure to the training center. And they also have advantages in official stores to buy the jersey and wear it with pride! Click and join now.

Under the intense heat at the Raulino stadium, Flamengo started the match intensely, searching for the debutant in the box. Within five minutes, there were two crosses aimed at Dourado, but both were saved by Jefferson. The intensity decreased slightly over time, but Flamengo's dominance remained total. Botafogo exchanged few passes, while Flamengo played freely but failed to create clear chances. At 17 minutes, their best opportunity so far arrived. Diego took a free kick just outside the box. Dourado rose highest and headed just wide of the post.

Ten minutes later, the goal celebration caught in their throats. Paquetá took a skillful free kick, but the ball hit the crossbar. Another 10 minutes passed and finally the net shook. Diego took a free kick that Everton headed in, scoring his eighth goal in Rio derbies.

The second half began as the fans wanted. Just eight minutes in, the first goal came. Diego worked the ball, passed to Paquetá who set it up for Dourado to score his first goal and celebrate wildly. With a 2-0 lead, it became much easier to manage the game. Botafogo were defeated and Flamengo accumulated chances to extend their lead. In the 18th minute, Pará crossed perfectly for Diego, who, in the six-yard box, sent the ball over the crossbar.

Botafogo scored in the 23rd minute through Kieza, but Flamengo remained unfazed and continued to control the match. Carpegiani sent Vinicius Junior and Jonas onto the field, replacing Paquetá and Réver, respectively. And Vinicius almost scored the third goal in the 39th minute after a beautiful pass from Everton. He found himself one-on-one with Jefferson, but his shot was weak, making it easy for the goalkeeper.

At 42 minutes, Vinícius received a cross from Cuellar, but failed to finish inside the penalty area. Two minutes later, Diego headed wide what would have been the third goal. Necessary? No. Flamengo had already secured the victory.