With a goal from Everton, Flamengo draws with Fluminense at Nilton Santos
The result is insufficient for a place in the final of the round; the next challenge will be the State semifinal
By Flamengo - in
Flamengo drew 1-1 on Thursday night (22) with Fluminense, at Nilton Santos, in the semifinal of the Taça Rio, the second round of the Campeonato Carioca. With the result, Rubro-Negro was out of the final of the round, but remains guaranteed in the semifinal of the State with the advantage of a draw to guarantee a place in the two games that will be worth the cup. Everton scored the goal for Mais Querido, his ninth in classics against Rio rivals. Now, the team continues training and awaits the definition of the opponent, in addition to the date of the clash (Wednesday or Thursday of next week).
The game
From the start, the teams' plans were clear. Flamengo would come out more, while Fluminense would exploit counterattacks. And with that in mind, the Red-Blacks pressed their opponents throughout the entire 90 minutes (plus added time).
Just 8 minutes in, the first chance. Henrique Dourado headed a cross into the box, but Julio Cesar made a great save. The Fluminense goalkeeper, in fact, was Flamengo's biggest "villain" that night, stopping the attacks of the red-and-black attackers.
The first half would bring other opportunities. Attacking mostly down the right flank, Flamengo attacked and had chances, but the ball never went in. The opponent, however, had a single clear chance, from a corner kick, opening the scoring with Gum in the 45th minute.
In the second half, the pressure was even greater. With Vinicius Junior replacing Renê and Everton at left back, Flamengo's game consisted of dominating the other half of the pitch and pressuring Fluminense, leaving their opponents unable to breathe. They persisted, but were thwarted by the opposing defense, and only found the net in the 39th minute, with Everton's superb shot from the edge of the box, rebounding from a corner kick. These were the final numbers of the derby, which ended in a draw.
And now?
Flamengo awaits its semifinal opponent. If Fluminense wins the Rio Cup, Flamengo will face Botafogo. If Botafogo wins the Rio Cup, Flamengo will face Vasco. In both scenarios, the advantage of a draw lies with Mengão.