Playing in Brasília, Flamengo fought until the end and beat Criciúma, coming from behind, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon (20), at Mané Garrincha, in the penultimate round of the first half of the Brasileirão. Pedro and Gabi scored for Mengão, which totaled 34 points and rose to second place in the competition. It is worth noting that Rubro-Negro has one game less than the other teams in the G4.

The game
With the return of the Uruguayans and Everton Cebolinha to the team, Flamengo sought to exchange passes to gain an attacking edge. Criciúma, in turn, pressed hard and made it difficult for the red-and-black team to attack. In the 15th minute, Flamengo created their first good attacking move. De La Cruz passed to Ayrton Lucas on the left, the full-back sent a low cross into the box, and Pedro caught it first time. The ball went over the goal.

Next, De La Cruz again delivered an excellent pass to Cebolinha, who dribbled past his marker and crossed into the six-yard box. Gerson attempted to head the ball but missed. In the 34th minute, Criciúma took the lead from a set piece. Trauco took a free kick into the box, Allano headed it in, and Rodrigo shot, but Rossi saved. Rodrigo tapped in the rebound, making it 1-0.

In the final minutes, Flamengo pushed forward to try to equalize before halftime. In stoppage time, Ayrton Lucas crossed into the box, the goalkeeper palmed it forward, and Fabrício Bruno collected the rebound and sent it over the bar. The first half ended with Flamengo trailing.

After the break, Flamengo continued to try to create chances in the attacking half, but Criciúma was sitting back, making it very difficult for them to penetrate the area. In the 14th minute, the referee was called by VAR to review a possible penalty by Rodrigo on Arrascaeta. Maguielson analyzed the play and awarded the penalty. Pedro stepped up to take the shot, but the goalkeeper made the save.

Next, a corner kick for Flamengo. Arrascaeta took a shot into the box, and Erick Pulgar headed the ball against the crossbar. On the rebound, Rodrigo cleared the ball from Léo Pereira's head. Then, in the 30th minute, Flamengo finally equalized! Viña found Arrascaeta at the edge of the box, the Uruguayan drove the ball forward and delivered a beautiful pass for Pedro to finish first-time into the corner: 1-1.

Looking for a comeback, Mengão continued to press their opponents. In the 37th minute, Luiz Araújo headed the ball to Gabi, who sent it over the bar. The very next play, the referee awarded a penalty to Flamengo for a foul because Barreto kicked the ball out of play after Cebolinha controlled it inside the box. Gabi stepped up to take the shot and just beat the goalkeeper to score Flamengo's second goal: 2-1.

Game over in Brasília! It wasn't a brilliant performance, but with grit and a strong comeback, Flamengo was brave and left the field with three points, crucial for the fight for the top spot in the Brasileirão.

Week's agenda
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Wednesday (24) to face Vitória, at 20 pm, at Barradão, for the 19th round of the Brasileirão.

Flamengo
Rossi; Wesley, Fabricio Bruno, David Luiz (Leo Pereira) and Ayrton Lucas (Viña); Erick Pulgar (Luiz Araújo), De La Cruz and Arrascaeta; Gerson (Gerson), Everton Cebolinha and Pedro.
Coach: Tite.

Cricklewood
Gustavo; Claudinho (Jonathan), Rodrigo, Wilker Angel and Trauco (Tobias Figueiredo); Barreto, Newton, Allano (Ronald Lopes), Fellipe Mateus and Marcelo Hermes; Arthur Caíke (Felipe Vizeu) (Eder).
Coach: Claudio Tencati.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 2x1 Criciúma – 18th Round of the Brazilian Championship
Location: Mané Garrincha Stadium, Brasília-DF
Date and time: 20/07/2024 at 16:XNUMX am
Refereeing: Maguielson Lima Barbosa (DF), Nailton Jr de Sousa Oliveira (FIFA/CE) and Eduardo Gonçalves da Cruz (MS)
Yellow cards: Rodrigo (CRI), Claudinho (CRI), David Luiz (FLA), Allano (CRI), Viña (FLA), Gabi (FLA), Fellipe Mateus (CRI) and Everton Cebolinha (FLA)
Goals: Rodrigo (34'1st half), Pedro (30'2nd half), Gabi (43'2nd half).