Flamengo achieved a great result this Sunday afternoon against an old rival. Playing in a Maracanã stadium with more than 39,000 fans, Mengão defeated Atlético Mineiro 2-1 and reached 48 points in the Brazilian Championship standings, three points behind the leader São Paulo. The Flamengo goals were scored one in each half. Just one minute into the game, Willian Arão opened the scoring. In the 11th minute of the second half, Lucas Paquetá made it 2-0. Leonardo Silva scored for Atlético.

In the next round, Flamengo will face Bahia, Saturday (29), at Fonte Nova, at 21 pm. But, before that, the team has the return match for the semi-final of the Copa do Brasil, against Corinthians, at Itaquerão, on Wednesday (26), at 21:45 pm. 

Mauricio Barbieri made many changes to the team. Without Diego, suspended due to a red card, the coach altered the team's formation, with Cuéllar and Arão as defensive midfielders, Everton Ribeiro, Lucas Paquetá, and the return of Matheus Sávio to orchestrate the team's attack, with Henrique Dourado up front. Besides seeking the three points, the coach also looked for alternatives with Wednesday's game in mind. 

Is there a better way to start a game than with a goal? There isn't. And knowing this, Trauco went down the left flank, made a great play with a beautiful dribble past Emerson, and passed to Willian Arão, who shot first-time and opened the scoring after just one minute of play. Barbieri's substitutions confused Atlético Mineiro, who expected Flamengo to play as they had been, and were surprised by Matheus Savio and Trauco being very offensive on the left and Arão's movement in the middle, relieving Paquetá in the playmaker role. 

Playing this way, Flamengo was completely superior on the field, contesting – and winning – most of the balls in midfield and defense. Only from a set piece could Atlético create chances, and that's what happened in the 22nd minute. From a corner on the left, Leonardo Silva rose high and headed in to equalize the match. Flamengo felt the impact of the goal, and Atlético grew stronger, balancing the game.

Despite having more possession, Flamengo stopped threatening the Minas Gerais team with the same intensity as at the start of the game, and the first half ended there, with the teams going to the locker room tied on the scoreboard. 

Flamengo returned with Vitinho replacing them and Matheus Savio for the second half, but the game didn't change much. With the ball mostly stuck in midfield, the teams seemed to be studying each other more than actually threatening. But, at nine minutes, Trauco made another beautiful play, crossing "with his hand" to Lucas Paquetá, and the number 11 didn't miss. A header that gave Victor no chance and Flamengo took the lead. 

With the goal, the team regained control of the game and had more possession. Atlético only attacked again in the 23rd minute, with a shot from Luan that went close to Diego Alves' goal. The Minas Gerais team continued to press the game, giving Flamengo opportunities for counter-attacks.  

Mauricio Barbieri brought on Marlos Moreno and Piris da Motta, and Flamengo worked well to contain Atlético, who launched desperate attacks but without success. At the final whistle, victory was confirmed, 48 points, and focus shifted to Wednesday's decisive match against Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil.