It was a one-team game with two very different halves. Upon Julio Cesar's return to Flamengo, the Red-Blacks comfortably defeated Boavista 3-0 in the fourth round of the Taça Rio, cementing their lead in Group B with nine points from four games. All the goals came in the second half, from shots outside the box. Rodinei opened the scoring, with Diego and Lucas Paquetá finishing, both from free kicks. 

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The game was marked by a team that dominated the entire first half but faltered in its finishing. All the real danger plays in the half fell to Flamengo. From the opening minutes, Flamengo staked out territory in Boavista's half, but failed to find the net. Everton and Renê worked well on the left and created the main chances. In the 13th minute, the duo worked well, with a quick one-two. Renê found Diego, who passed to Paquetá, who was free. But the midfielder missed his shot. Paquetá attempted numerous individual plays, drew fouls, and actively sought the play. 

Julio Cesar, the night's returning player, practically watched the match without even touching the ball. With 64% possession, Flamengo gave Boavista no space to play. All that was missing was a bit of finesse in the final third, and the first half ended 0-0. 

The Mais Querido returned from the locker room determined to seal the match. Everton Ribeiro made a great play down the right, finding Everton, who forced goalkeeper Rafael into a great save in the opening minute. Five minutes later, Everton Ribeiro himself took a risk and shot dangerously. The best chance to open the scoring fell to Dourado. The striker received the ball unmarked, inside the box and in a legal position, but shot wide, which would have been the first goal. Thankfully, less than five minutes later, Rodinei took the goal cry out of his throat. After a corner kick, the ball sailed past everyone in the box and found the full-back ready to shoot and score his seventh goal with the Sacred Mantle. 

The pace didn't slow down, and Flamengo sought to extend their lead. Carpegiani brought on Willian Arão and Felipe Vizeu for Everton Ribeiro and Henrique Dourado, injecting fresh energy into the team. In the 36th minute, the masterpiece of the night came. With a perfect free kick, Diego found the top corner of the net right past Boavista's goalkeeper and sent the ball past him, leaving no chance for a save. It was his 26th goal for Flamengo, his fifth from a free kick. 

The crowd came to see Flamengo and Julio Cesar. It took 85 minutes, but when needed, the star of the night was there and made a beautiful save from Tartá's shot. Flamengo found their way, and their aim from outside the box was good. In the 42nd minute, it was Paquetá's turn to score. With another beautiful shot, the midfielder scored the third goal of the night and sealed the score. 

Flamengo returns to the field next Saturday, for the 5th round of the Rio Cup, against Macaé, at Moacyrzão, at 19:30 pm. Next Wednesday, the team will change its chip for the Copa Libertadores da América, against Emelec, in Guayaquil.