With a show on the field and in the stands, Flamengo thrashes Cabofriense for the Guanabara Cup
Arão, Diego, De Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique scored the goals in the 4-0 victory
By John Peter Granette - in
This Sunday afternoon (03) was typical of Rio de Janeiro and brightened up with a work of art at Maracanã. On the biggest stage in world football and with the Nation in the stands, Flamengo beat Cabofriense 4-0. Arão opened the scoring, Diego did a bicycle kick, De Arrascaeta scored the first with the Manto and Bruno Henrique gave the final numbers to the confrontation.
The other highlight, which is no longer a novelty, was the Nação Rubro-Negra concert. More than 49 fans cheered Flamengo on throughout the 90 minutes.
The game
Pressure and goal at the beginning
The Mais Querido (Most Beloved) came out swinging in the final group stage match of the Guanabara Cup and immediately attacked Cabofriense. Mengão pushed for a goal from the opening whistle, and in the seventh minute, Willian Arão opened the scoring. Following a corner kick from the right, the number 5 rose above everyone and sent the ball into the back of the net.
Even with the lead, Abel Braga's team held on and narrowly missed extending their lead through Fernando Uribe. The striker had two good chances to score the second, but was denied by the opposing goalkeeper.
Diego's painting and an overwhelming second half
The second half was marked by a spectacular play. And it wasn't just for its beauty. With the Maracanã packed and a sunny Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, Diego decided to present all the red-and-black fans with a bicycle painting. Willian Arão crossed into the middle of the box, the ball came perfectly, and the captain displayed his skill to extend the lead.
Abel also brought on De Arrascaeta, Gabriel, and Ronaldo. The Uruguayan scored the first goal with the Sacred Mantle after a great assist from Bruno Henrique.
Just when everything seemed set, Mengão delivered a masterclass in counterattacking in the final play of the match. De Arrascaeta slipped the ball to Gabriel, the number 9 rolled it into the middle of the box, and Bruno Henrique just took it past the goalkeeper to seal the score.
And now?
Flamengo has qualified for the Guanabara Cup semifinals and will face Fluminense. The derby will be played next weekend, with the date and time to be determined.