Hot on the heels of the leaders! On Sunday afternoon (28), at Maracanã, Flamengo came from behind to beat Botafogo 3-2 in the Brazilian Championship. Gerson, Gabigol and Bruno Henrique scored for the Mais Querido. Cícero and Diego Souza scored for the black and white team. The star of the match was right-back Rafinha, who distributed assists and commanded the game. With the result, Mengão remains in third place in the competition with 24 points, three behind second-place Palmeiras and five behind the new leader, Santos. 

First time 

By forcing the game down the right, Flamengo gave Botafogo's defense a hard time. Rafinha made good runs and was one of the team's key playmakers. Despite the Mais Querido's strong start, it was Botafogo who opened the scoring with a header from Cícero. In the 34th minute, Gerson received a pass from Rafinha, pulled inside, and unleashed a powerful shot into the left corner of Gatito Fernández's net, leaving no chance for a save. With the score tied, Flamengo went into halftime with the support of the nation, seeking a comeback.

Red-black turnaround

Needing a win to stay in contention at the top of the table, the Red-Blacks started the second half strong. In the 8th minute, Rafinha made a great play, dribbling past his marker and crossing into the box. Gabigol capitalized on the rebound from the Black-and-White defense and scored a stunning goal: 2-1. In the 21st minute, Diego Souza scored a free kick to level the score.

Encouraged by their fans and Rafinha's stellar performance, Mengão scored the third in the 34th minute. The right-back made another great play down the right, playing a one-two with Gabigol, and leaving Bruno Henrique free to score and seal the red-and-blacks' 3-2 victory. 

And now?

Flamengo returns to the field next Wednesday (31), against Emelec, at 21:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the Conmebol Libertadores. For the Brazilian Championship, Mais Querido will face Bahia, on August 4, at 16 pm, at Fonte Nova.