With a strong performance throughout the ninety minutes, Flamengo defeated Cruzeiro 2-0 at Ilha do Urubu. The goals for the red-and-black team were scored by Everton and Vinicius Júnior. The victory took the "Mais Querido" (Flamengo's Favorite) to 50 points in the standings, keeping the red-and-black team in the Copa Libertadores qualifying zone, and bringing Reinaldo Rueda's team closer to the top four. Their next match will be against fourth-place Palmeiras next Sunday (November 4th) at Allianz Parque in São Paulo.
Domination in the first 45 minutes
Flamengo's first half was a complete success. Unthreatened by their opponents, Mengão capitalized on their territorial dominance and possession, converting their performance into scoring opportunities. Just three minutes in, Lucas Paquetá forced Fábio into a great save after receiving a pass from Renê. The number 39, in fact, appeared again in the tenth minute with another dangerous shot.
The red-and-black team tried their best on the ground and in the air. Rafael Vaz had two chances, in the 12th and 17th minutes, from aerial balls. Mengão continued to press in the opposing half, pushing Cruzeiro back and creating chances.
In the 30th minute, Everton Ribeiro made a good run down the right flank and tried to find Everton, but he couldn't reach him. Six minutes later, Renê crossed into the box, Felipe Vizeu headed it in, and this time Everton made no mistake. The shot was spot-on, leaving the opposing goalkeeper with no chance, and the score was 1-0.
Open second half
With the setback, Cruzeiro came out more aggressively in the second half, leaving plenty of space in defense. Mengão exploited counterattacks effectively, especially on the right flank, but their shots were failing to find the target. Pará, Everton Ribeiro, Felipe Vizeu, Lucas Paquetá, and Everton were all sharp.
From the 30th minute onward, Cruzeiro pushed forward in an attempt to keep Flamengo more confined in their own half. They were unsuccessful. In a blistering counterattack, the ball fell to Everton on the left, who unleashed a powerful shot that Fábio saved.
In the final minutes, Reinaldo Rueda brought on Vinicius Júnior in place of Lucas Paquetá to take advantage of the number 20's speed. Mengão began to dominate the action again and in the dying minutes, in a great counterattack, the Garoto do Ninho beat Fábio, scored the second goal and sealed the result.
Domination in the first 45 minutes
Flamengo's first half was a complete success. Unthreatened by their opponents, Mengão capitalized on their territorial dominance and possession, converting their performance into scoring opportunities. Just three minutes in, Lucas Paquetá forced Fábio into a great save after receiving a pass from Renê. The number 39, in fact, appeared again in the tenth minute with another dangerous shot.
The red-and-black team tried their best on the ground and in the air. Rafael Vaz had two chances, in the 12th and 17th minutes, from aerial balls. Mengão continued to press in the opposing half, pushing Cruzeiro back and creating chances.
In the 30th minute, Everton Ribeiro made a good run down the right flank and tried to find Everton, but he couldn't reach him. Six minutes later, Renê crossed into the box, Felipe Vizeu headed it in, and this time Everton made no mistake. The shot was spot-on, leaving the opposing goalkeeper with no chance, and the score was 1-0.
Open second half
With the setback, Cruzeiro came out more aggressively in the second half, leaving plenty of space in defense. Mengão exploited counterattacks effectively, especially on the right flank, but their shots were failing to find the target. Pará, Everton Ribeiro, Felipe Vizeu, Lucas Paquetá, and Everton were all sharp.
From the 30th minute onward, Cruzeiro pushed forward in an attempt to keep Flamengo more confined in their own half. They were unsuccessful. In a blistering counterattack, the ball fell to Everton on the left, who unleashed a powerful shot that Fábio saved.
In the final minutes, Reinaldo Rueda brought on Vinicius Júnior in place of Lucas Paquetá to take advantage of the number 20's speed. Mengão began to dominate the action again and in the dying minutes, in a great counterattack, the Garoto do Ninho beat Fábio, scored the second goal and sealed the result.