When he arrived at Flamengo, midfielder Diego was categorical: "I'm living a dream." And what would a dream debut be like? With a victory and a goal? That's how Flamengo x Grêmio played this Sunday morning (21). The number 35 scored the second for Mais Querido, in the 25th minute of the final stage.

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And it wasn't just Diego who lived a dream with this victory. In the first half, number 18 Leandro Damião had shown great determination and was rewarded. The striker scored his first goal for the Sacred Mantle in the 27th minute. Damião's number one goal was 12: the penalty kick that opened the scoring marked history with the thousand that bears the number of the Red-Black Nation. 40 million who woke up early, but who also dreamed and continue to dream of another victory for the Most Beloved.

On Wednesday (24), Rubro-Negro debuts in the Copa Sul-Americana, against Figueirense, away from home. The next step in the Brasileirão is away from home: Flamengo faces Chapecoense next Sunday (28), at Arena Condá, at 16 pm.

Flamengo started the match dictating the pace, and it would remain that way throughout the first half. With Diego, Gabriel, Jorge, and Damião threatening the opposing goal, the Mais Querido (Flamengo's Favorite) continued to build momentum from the outset. In the 11th minute, Pará hit Marcelo Grohe's fork while feigning a cross. In the 23rd minute, Damião attempted a bicycle kick. The number 18 forced the opposing goalkeeper to make a fine save. Two minutes later, Rafael Vaz also attempted a volley, but sent it wide. In the 27th minute, Damião finally found the net with a bicycle kick. However, it didn't count: The referee had awarded a penalty for the play, as the ball hit Geromel's hand. The number 18 himself took the shot and converted. The kick marked the 12th goal in Flamengo's history. Flamengo continued to dominate until halftime.

In the second half, Grêmio found its feet and managed to level the playing field. In the 13th minute, Flamengo had a good chance, but Pará cut it out. The full-back celebrated as if he had scored. Jorge threatened Marcelo Grohe with two good plays from the edge of the box. The second goal for Flamengo would be scored in the 25th minute. Vizeu received a pass from Diego in the box, but the ball went too high. The forward passed to Pará, who, further back, crossed into the box. The ball was perfectly placed on Diego's head, and he sent it under Marcelo Grohe's legs to increase the lead. On the next play, Lincoln pulled one back for Grêmio. In the minutes leading up to the final whistle, Flamengo played intelligently, valuing possession, and, even creating chances, managed to cool down their opponents' chances.

* collaborated under the supervision of Ricardo Taves