With a spectacular performance from Vinicius Jr. and Diego carried by the fans, Flamengo beat Ceará away from home.
Flamengo secured another victory in the Brazilian Championship and is now leading the competition.
By John Peter Granette - in
Flamengo visited Ceará on Sunday afternoon and, with a strong performance, secured another victory in the Brazilian Championship. At the Castelão stadium, the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) team relied on two goals from Vinicius Junior and one from Diego to beat the home side 3-0.
A great away performance and another victory in the Brazilian Championship put Flamengo in the lead. In three matches, the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) has accumulated seven points and remains undefeated. Their next match in Série A will be against Internacional, at home.
The game
The first half at Castelão was dominated by one team. Even playing away from home, Flamengo dictated the pace of the game and almost opened the scoring early on with Réver. Shortly after, Dourado also had an opportunity, but his shot went just wide of the post.
The Flamengo team continued to press and created numerous dangerous chances for the opposing goalkeeper, who was kept busy by two excellent shots from Lucas Paquetá. First, the number 11 took advantage of a rebound in the Ceará penalty area, and then, he delivered a perfect free-kick, only to see Éverson make a flying save to send the ball out for a corner.
Diego Alves had little to do throughout the first half, as Ceará struggled to find openings in Flamengo's defense. In the final minutes, his good performance was rewarded with a beautiful goal. Midfielder Cuéllar delivered a superb pass for Vinicius Jr. to masterfully finish past the goalkeeper, sending the Flamengo fans into raptures at the Castelão stadium.
Flamengo returned for the second half with the same intensity, and Vinicius Jr. was having an inspired day. First, the striker almost scored from outside the box, and in the next play, the number 20 scored his second goal after a beautiful one-two with Lucas Paquetá and Rodinei.
Unable to find their rhythm in the match, Ceará began to rely on aerial plays, but Réver and Juan managed to clear all the crosses. In defense, Rodinei and Renê also had solid performances and prevented Flamengo from being threatened.
The attack also continued to be very efficient at Castelão. In the 25th minute, Diego scored the third goal for Flamengo after a deflection from Paquetá into the middle of the area. In celebration, the number 10 ran into the arms of the fans and made a point of showing his respect for the Nation.
With the victory well in hand, Flamengo continued to maintain possession of the ball, didn't suffer any scares, and waited for the final whistle to add another three points in the Brazilian Championship.
And now?
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Wednesday (2), but this time for the Copa do Brasil. The opponent this time is Ponte Preta and the ball will roll at Moisés Lucarelli, in Campinas, starting at 19:30 pm.