The 2023 season has started off on the right foot! In the debut of the Campeonato Carioca, Flamengo beat Audax-RJ 1-0 on Thursday night (12), at Maracanã. In the reunion with the Nation, Matheus França scored the winning goal for the red-black team. It is worth remembering that the game was brought forward from the 5th round of the State Championship.

The game
The match started evenly, with both teams thoroughly studying the ball. Flamengo, which fielded a young squad, tried to exchange passes to attack, but struggled to penetrate Audax's defense. In the 19th minute, after a challenge in the air, Victor Hugo clashed heads with Emerson Urso and was replaced by Everton Araujo.

After the technical timeout, the Mais Querido (Most Beloved) spent more time on the attack trying to build plays. In a lackluster first half with very few dangerous chances, the teams went into the break with the score tied.

At the start of the second half, Flamengo came back sharper and threatened the opposing goal more. Coach Mario Jorge pushed his defense further up, making it difficult for Audax to get the ball out. And the pressure paid off!

In the 10th minute, Mengão opened the scoring at Maraca! Matheus França received the ball at the edge of the box, adjusted it with his right foot and shot with his left foot, into the goalkeeper's right corner: 1-0.

With the advantage, the red-and-black team gained more confidence and, consequently, became more relaxed on the field. In the 24th minute, Matheus França delivered a beautiful pass to Mateusão, who was one-on-one with the goalkeeper but shot over the bar. In the final minutes, the red-and-black team continued to hold onto possession in attack until the final whistle. A great start to the 2023 season!

Flamengo lineup
Matheus Cunha; Wesley, Noga, Cleiton and Ramon; Igor Jesus, Victor Hugo (Everton Araujo) and Matheus França (André); Werton (Petterson), Thiaguinho and Mateusão ​​(Lorran).
Coach: Mario Jorge.

Audax lineup
Leandro; Lucas Mota, Rafael Castro, Thomás Kayck and Kaio Cristian (PH); Keverton (Fabinho), Diego Valderrama and Higor Leite; Clisman (Pablo Thomaz), Emerson Urso and Raphael Lopes (Matheus Monteiro).
Coach: Junior Lopes.

Next appointment
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Sunday (15) to face Portuguesa, at 18 pm, at Maracanã, in a game valid for the first round of Cariocão.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 1x0 Audax-RJ – 5th Round of the Carioca Championship
Location: Maracanã-RJ
Date and time: 12/01/2023 at 21:30 pm
Arbitration: Wagner do Nascimento Magalhães, Thiago Henrique Corrêa and Thayse Marques Fonseca
Yellow cards: Raphael Lopes (AUD) and Emerson Urso (AUD)
Goal: Matheus França (10'2nd half).