Created 40 minutes before from nothing and decided after 40 minutes of the second half
Flamengo falls behind, Guerrero equalizes in the final minutes and Rodinei completes the comeback that decreed the Festa na Favela: 2-1
By Isabela Abirached - inThe classic that began 40 minutes out of nowhere, according to Nelson Rodrigues, was only decided after 40 minutes of the second half. Although the Biggest Fan Base in the World, sensible, already knew who would win before kickoff—the mosaic warned once again—thousands of fans, in the sun, came to watch the Fla-Flu match and filled the hall to celebrate yet another coronation of the King of Rio.
The most highly rated team in the Fla-Flus competition lifted the Campeonato Carioca trophy for the 34th time on Sunday afternoon (7) - undefeated - and maintained its dominance in the state. The derby took place 26 years after the last state final between Flamengo and Fluminense, with two decisive matches, which ended with Maestro Junior lifting the trophy for Mengão. Guerrero, the state's top scorer with ten goals, practically decided the game by tying the game with minutes to go - but there was still room for one more goal from Rodinei, who sealed the victory and secured another gift for the Gávea trophy cabinet. More than 68 people witnessed a game just the way Flamengo likes it - full of emotion, a show by the fans, great commitment, a comeback victory, and Red and Black supremacy in the stands and on the pitch.
Thank you, fan club member! Another title for Mengão—and, once again, the Nação Rubro-Negra Program helped pave the way. Fan clubs make Flamengo stronger—and those who join receive unique benefits that keep them closer to Mengão. Click here to join!
Thank you, fan club member! Another title for Mengão—and, once again, the Nação Rubro-Negra Program helped pave the way. Fan clubs make Flamengo stronger—and those who join receive unique benefits that keep them closer to Mengão. Click here to join!
The game
Fluminense opened the scoring early in the match, but Flamengo remained undeterred and outperformed their rivals throughout the half. Éverton, in the 31st minute, created the Rubro-Negro's biggest equalizer, with a beautiful shot from outside the box that forced Cavalieri to palm away for a corner. Fluminense also created danger at times, but either missed their target or were intercepted by the Rubro-Negro defense.
The second half began with Flamengo pressing, exploiting the left flank with Berrío, Trauco, and Éverton. Zé Ricardo made a change, taking off Berrío and Trauco and bringing on Gabriel and Rodinei. Flamengo continued to dominate the action and threatened with Guerrero. The best chance of the half came with 30 minutes left on the clock, when Éverton sent in a dangerous cross from inside the box, but the ball fell to Cavalieri. In Tricolor's attacks, Muralha prevailed with strong saves.
The game seemed headed for penalties when the championship's top scorer decided to make his mark. In the 40th minute, after a scramble in the six-yard box and a rebound from Réver's header, Paolo Guerrero found the net for the tenth time in this state championship, leaving the trophy in Flamengo's hands. But before the final whistle, goalkeeper Cavalieri was sent off after, as the last man, fouling Rodinei. And hasn't the full-back taken a liking to scoring? Taking advantage of the Tricolor's makeshift goalkeeper, Rodi sealed the score by tapping it past Orejuela: 2-1 and much, much celebration in the favela.