On Sunday night (29), Flamengo insisted until the end and beat Athletico-PR 1-0, at Maracanã, in a game valid for the 28th round of the Brasileirão. Gerson, with a header, scored the goal in the 44th minute of the second half and guaranteed three more points in the classification table.

Now, Rubro-Negro focuses on the Copa do Brasil semifinal against Corinthians. The first leg will be played on Wednesday (2), at Maracanã.

The game
With a mixed lineup, Flamengo started the match looking to keep possession, exchanging passes in the attacking half. In their first, more forceful attack, the red-and-black team nearly found the net. David Luiz won the rebound in the box and tried to chip the ball over the goalkeeper. Léo Ortiz headed the ball from the rebound, but Thiago Heleno cleared it off the line.

Athletico-PR's first attack, Zapelli's free kick forced Rossi into a good save, palming it out for a corner. Atlético-PR responded immediately and created a good opportunity in the 18th minute. Plata and Gerson exchanged passes in the middle, and Matheus Gonçalves crossed into the box for Gabi, who headed over the crossbar. The assistant referee had already flagged offside on the play.

Two minutes later, it was Wesley's turn to try his luck from the edge of the box. The goalkeeper rebounded, and the defense cleared the danger. Flamengo maintained possession in attack but struggled to penetrate the opposing area. In the 42nd minute, Gerson tried his luck with a cross-shot, and the goalkeeper made another good save. Flamengo dominated the first half, but with few clear-cut chances.

After the break, the red-and-black team continued to hold possession, but continued to struggle to create chances, particularly when driving into the box. In the 15th minute, coach Tite made changes, bringing on Arrascaeta, Alex Sandro, and Bruno Henrique in place of Plata, Ayrton Lucas, and Alcaraz, respectively.

Flamengo tried to break through on the right with Wesley, but the opposing defense managed to clear the crosses. In the 32nd minute, Alex Sandro crossed into the box and Gabi headed over the goal.

After persistently pushing forward, Mengão managed to open the scoring in the 44th minute. After exchanging passes back and forth, De La Cruz passed to Wesley, who crossed for Gerson to head into the corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance. In stoppage time, Flamengo held on to their lead and secured a 1-0 victory.

Week's agenda
Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Wednesday (2) to face Corinthians, at 21:45 pm, at Maracanã, for the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals.

Flamengo
Rossi; Wesley, David Luiz (Leo Pereira), Leo Ortiz and Ayrton Lucas (Alex Sandro); Erick Pulgar, Alcaraz (Bruno Henrique) and Matheus Gonçalves (De La Cruz); Plata (Arrascaeta), Gerson and Gabi.
Coach: Tite.

Athletico-PR
Mycael; Kaíque Rocha, Thiago Heleno and Gamarra; Cuello (Madson), Erick, Christian, Zapelli (Praxedes) and Esquível (Di Yorio); Pablo (Fernando) and Canobbio (Julimar).
Coach: Lucho González.  

Technical sheet
Flamengo 1x0 Athletico-PR – 28nd Round of the Brazilian Championship
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date and time: 29/09/2024 at 20:XNUMX am
Refereeing: Davi de Oliveira Lacerda (ES), Alex Ang Ribeiro (SP) and Alex dos Santos (SC)
Yellow cards: Gabi (FLA), Gamarra (CAP), David Luiz (FLA) and Christian (CAP)
Goal: Gerson (44'2nd half).