With one less player, Flamengo pulls off a heroic draw against Palmeiras with a lot of spirit and Alan Patrick's star

With one less player, Flamengo pulls off a heroic draw against Palmeiras with a lot of spirit and Alan Patrick's star power.

Márcio Araújo is sent off in the 40th minute of the first half and the midfielder scores with his first touch of the ball on the field, but Gabriel Jesus makes it all equal; the teams remain separated by one point in the table

By Isabela Abirached - in 14/09/2016 às 23:51

The victory did not come, but what was seen on the field was admirable. On Wednesday night (14), at Allianz Parque, Flamengo showed grit and resilience and, even with one man less for the entire second half, managed to hold on to a 1-1 draw with Palmeiras, with a goal from Alan Patrick with his first touch of the ball after entering the field.

The visiting team with the best record in the championship—perhaps because it always has a legion of passionate fans by its side who, no matter where it plays, will support it—this time couldn't hear the nation's cheers inside the stadium. But the 12th player was there, and helped turn the ten into 11—even on the eve of the match. As if sensing that the Most Beloved would need its supernatural strength, the Nation turned the airport into a grandstand for the Rio-São Paulo shuttle flight.

Unable to buy tickets due to a STJD sanction, the World's Largest Fan Base packed Santos Dumont stadium before the Flamengo delegation boarded and, in a colossal celebration, embraced the players—some literally. At Congonhas, another fantastic reception. Flamengo's fans seem omnipresent—but with 40 million fans, it's not that difficult. Tonight, those 40 million didn't celebrate the victory, but they know the fight doesn't end here.

Fan club members have the pride of playing alongside each victory: the money goes to football and brings more reinforcements, new talent, and infrastructure to the training center. And they also have advantages in official stores to buy the jersey and wear it with pride! Click and join now.

Our team is us on the field

Since the end of Flamengo's last Brasileirão match, against Vitória, every Flamengo heart was racing with anticipation for the clash with the Alviverde. The rest of Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Those few days felt like an eternity, and there were no more nails to bite. But finally, the clock struck 21:45 p.m., and the referee blew the whistle, authorizing the start of the game. Relief? Nothing! With every tackle, every dribble, every shot, the restless fans, watching their televisions, radios, and cell phones, held their breath. On the field, the players honored the Red and Black, reciprocating their passion with great determination in a dramatic match.

First time

In the opening minutes, it was all Flamengo. Hearts were in the crowd's mouths, the ball was at the feet of Jorge, Diego, and Arão, the first to threaten the green-and-white goal. According to the standings, the game was a mid-season showdown; on the pitch, the atmosphere was like a final. The tension was palpable in the 15th minute, with a free kick just outside the Flamengo penalty area—just ask Pará and Gabriel Jesus. The game slowed for a few minutes, with chances coming and going until it once again strained the spectators' hearts. In the 40th minute, Márcio Araújo was sent off. To rebuild the defense, Zé Ricardo took off Diego and brought on Colombian midfielder Cuéllar. Before the end of the first half, Muralha made a spectacular save and an elbow that drew blood from Éverton.

Second time

Down a man, Flamengo returned to the field with the mission of making ten men count as eleven. In the 11th minute, Zé Ricardo and Alan Patrick shone. In his second substitution, the coach took off Gabriel and brought on number 16—and with his first touch, the midfielder unleashed a rare shot that still wobbled the hearts of the red-and-black fans, capriciously bouncing off the post before bulging into the net. But the football gods were more capricious than the ball. With ten minutes remaining, Gabriel Jesus scored the equalizer, the ball hitting the post and netting the same path. Until the final whistle, Flamengo fought back. Muralha lived up to his nickname, and the team held on for the win.

Sunday has more

In a points-based championship, every game is a decisive one. We still have 13 more. The next one will be against Figueirense, on Sunday (18), at 11 am, at Pacaembu. In this game, the Nation not only can but should attend and fill the stands: click here and see how to buy your tickets.