With spectacular performances on the field and in the stands, Flamengo defeats Paraná at the Maracanã.
Flamengo, nicknamed "Mais Querido," secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Diego and Vizeu. The Rubro-Negro will head into the World Cup break leading the Brazilian Championship.
By John Peter Granette - in
Three more points in the bag! Flamengo achieved their eighth victory in the Brazilian Championship and remain in the isolated lead of the national competition. On Sunday night (10), the Mais Querido received Paraná at Maracanã and won 2-0 with goals from Diego and Felipe Vizeu. With the result, the team led by Maurício Barbieri will go into the break for the 2018 World Cup in first place.
The game
With the Maracanã once again completely packed with fans, Flamengo went on the attack from the first minutes, and the most offensive plays were happening on the right side of the attack, with combinations between Rodinei and Everton Ribeiro. The "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) maintained possession in the attacking half, and Diego almost opened the scoring with a header after a good cross from Renê.
At the 20-minute mark, the stadium erupted in joy. Diego was fouled dangerously just outside the penalty area and took responsibility for the free kick. His shot deflected off the wall, and the ball nestled into the back of Thiago Rodrigues' net, opening the scoring for Flamengo.
Even with a lead on the scoreboard, Flamengo continued to press and Henrique Dourado almost extended the lead at the Maracanã. The number 19 made a beautiful turn inside the opponent's area, but ended up shooting over the goal.
Returning for the final stage, Flamengo continued to pin Paraná back in their own half, giving the visitors no space to try and find the equalizer. Barbieri brought on Felipe Vizeu and Willian Arão. Three minutes after the substitutions, the number 5 delivered a low cross and the striker tapped it into the net, extending the lead at the Maracanã.
While the fans continued to put on a show in the stadium stands, Vinicius Junior broke away at speed after receiving a beautiful pass from Felipe Vizeu, shot past Thiago Rodrigues, and almost scored the third goal.
In the final stretch, the players held onto the ball to run down the clock and secure another three points. Even so, before the final whistle, Everton Ribeiro almost scored a spectacular volley after a through ball from Vinicius Junior.
And now?
Flamengo's next match in the Brazilian Championship will be against Palmeiras next Wednesday (13), at 21 pm, at Arena Palmeiras. This will be the last red-and-black challenge before the break for the World Cup in Russia.