Flamengo returned to the field this Saturday for a friendly against Atlético Goianiense, in Goiânia, as another stage of the team's preparation for its debut in the Brazilian Championship and the return of the CONMEBOL Libertadores. Having not played since the semifinal of the Taça Rio, the Mais Querido defeated Atlético by a score of 3-1, with goals from Diego (2) and Henrique Dourado (penalty) in the second half, with Joanderson pulling one back for the opponents. It was Flamengo's 11th victory in the match, in 15 matches played. 

Mauricio Barbieri sent a full force onto the field, with the exception of Diego Alves and Rhodolfo, who were rested and didn't travel. The first half was marked by Flamengo's complete dominance, but with few clear-cut scoring chances. Just two minutes in, Paquetá found Rodinei on the right and passed to the full-back, who fired a powerful shot, but the ball went wide. Two minutes later, Paquetá himself took a dangerous free kick. But that was it. Flamengo tried too many crosses, but to no avail. And they were ultimately punished. In the 38th minute, Joanderson scored Atlético's goal from a corner kick, opening the scoring at home. In the intense heat, the team held on until the end of the half to find their feet.

It worked. The second half came back with a bang. With Julio Cesar in goal, Flamengo equalized within 30 seconds. Everton ran down the left and crossed for Diego, who hit a beautiful first-time shot. Less than a minute later, Everton Ribeiro's shot hit Bruno Santos's arms inside the box. Henrique Dourado converted the penalty with his trademark perfection and turned the game around. It was his fourth goal of this kind for Flamengo, in four attempts. 

Atlético Goianiense was stunned. Flamengo showed they had the better team and completely controlled the match. Barbieri shuffled the lineup, bringing on Willian Arão, Pará, Trauco, Marlos Moreno, and Vinicius Júnior to create opportunities and capitalize on the game's objective. And Diego delivered once again. In a beautiful individual play, the number 10 lined up against Atlético's defense and chipped the ball over the top to lob goalkeeper Kleber. 

With the game already decided, Jonas, Léo Duarte, and Jean Lucas also came on. Vinicius Junior and Lincoln had excellent chances to extend their lead, but it wasn't necessary. Flamengo made good use of the friendly and now returns to Rio with the Brazilian Championship in their sights.