The scent lingers. And today, at Maracanã, it was strong. With a show by the Red-Black Nation and goals from Guerrero and Diego, Flamengo won the head-to-head match against Santos, securing a direct spot in the Copa Libertadores, and moving into second place in the Brazilian Championship standings.
In the arms and voices of the more than 37 fans present at the stadium, Mengão grew. Playing with passion, they put an end to the chaos just five minutes into the first half with Guerrero's goal. The Peruvian struck hard from the edge of the box, slotting the ball into the goalkeeper's right corner and opening the scoring, much to the delight of the fans. In the first half, they still had time for a header from Gabriel to hit the post, followed by some beautiful attacking moves, and Pará's marking that lifted the full-back and the stands. It couldn't have smelled more Flamengo.
The second half started at full speed, with another good strike from Paolo Guerrero after just five minutes. A few minutes later, Muralha's excellent save from a point-blank header gave Flamengo the lead. Pará was a key supporter of the attack, linking up with Diego and Gabriel to create two more great chances for Flamengo, with Márcio Araújo scoring a slam dunk and Guerrero trying to extend his lead.
Santos pressed, but it was the Mais Querido who delivered—and secured the three points. Pará crossed from the right, and Diego stretched out for his left-footed effort to reach the ball and puff out his bridal veil at the Maraca: 2-0. In celebration, the midfielder ran to the crowd in a scene that summed up the atmosphere of Sunday's game: a beautiful synergy between the fans and the team, which promises to remain stronger than ever in the 2017 Copa Libertadores. Any day now, we'll be there.
In the arms and voices of the more than 37 fans present at the stadium, Mengão grew. Playing with passion, they put an end to the chaos just five minutes into the first half with Guerrero's goal. The Peruvian struck hard from the edge of the box, slotting the ball into the goalkeeper's right corner and opening the scoring, much to the delight of the fans. In the first half, they still had time for a header from Gabriel to hit the post, followed by some beautiful attacking moves, and Pará's marking that lifted the full-back and the stands. It couldn't have smelled more Flamengo.
The second half started at full speed, with another good strike from Paolo Guerrero after just five minutes. A few minutes later, Muralha's excellent save from a point-blank header gave Flamengo the lead. Pará was a key supporter of the attack, linking up with Diego and Gabriel to create two more great chances for Flamengo, with Márcio Araújo scoring a slam dunk and Guerrero trying to extend his lead.
Santos pressed, but it was the Mais Querido who delivered—and secured the three points. Pará crossed from the right, and Diego stretched out for his left-footed effort to reach the ball and puff out his bridal veil at the Maraca: 2-0. In celebration, the midfielder ran to the crowd in a scene that summed up the atmosphere of Sunday's game: a beautiful synergy between the fans and the team, which promises to remain stronger than ever in the 2017 Copa Libertadores. Any day now, we'll be there.