In the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals, Flamengo came from behind to beat Athletico-PR 2-1 this Wednesday (5), at Maracanã. Pedro, from a penalty, and Bruno Henrique scored the red-black goals in the second half. With the result, Mengão will have the advantage of a draw in the return game, at Arena da Baixada.

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The game
As usual when playing at home, Flamengo started the match looking to attack by passing the ball from foot to foot. But it was Athletico who opened the scoring in the sixth minute through Canobbio, who took advantage of the loose ball to slot home a shot into Matheus Cunha's corner: 1-0.

At a disadvantage, the red-and-black team was forced to attack, while the Paraná team closed in behind to quickly counterattack. In the 15th minute, Arrascaeta was fouled just outside the box. The Uruguayan himself took the shot, and the ball flew just wide of the post. In the 26th minute, Arrascaeta crossed from the right, and Pedro tried to finish but missed.

Despite trailing, Flamengo played a strong first half, dominating possession and creating strong attacking triangles. The only thing missing was a goal.

At the start of the second half, the Rio de Janeiro Red-and-Blacks pushed forward in search of an early equalizer. Two minutes in, Ayrton Lucas made a good play on the byline, dribbling past Madson, and passing to Arrascaeta. The Uruguayan fired a low shot into the corner, but Bento made the save in two attempts.

In the 7th minute, Arrascaeta advanced into the box and was hit on the shin by Madson. After checking the VAR, the referee awarded the penalty. Pedro fired the ball into the goalkeeper's left corner, leveling the score at the Maracanã Stadium: 1-1.

After the equalizer, the Mais Querido continued to dominate possession and threaten Bento's goal more. The game required patience to break through Athletico's defense.

The Nation was calling for Bruno Henrique, Sampaoli answered, and the number 27 immediately responded! Arrascaeta took a free kick into the box, and the striker headed it stylishly past the goalkeeper to put Mengão ahead: 2-1.  

Luiz Araújo, making his debut on the night, came on and, in his first appearance, delivered a beautiful pass to Bruno Henrique, who tried to chip the ball over the goalkeeper, only to have the ball sail just wide of the post. In the closing stages, the red-and-black team managed the result and left the Maracanã with a strong result for the return leg at Arena da Baixada.

Next appointment
Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Saturday (8) to face Palmeiras, at 21 pm, at Allianz Parque, for the 14th round of the Brasileirão.

Flamengo
Matheus Cunha; Wesley, Fabrício Bruno, David Luiz and Ayrton Lucas; Erick, Victor Hugo (Bruno Henrique) and Gerson; Everton Ribeiro (Luiz Araújo), Arrascaeta (Thiago Maia) and Pedro.
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli.

Athletico-PR
Bento; Pedro Henrique, Thiago Heleno and Ze Ivaldo; Madson (Khellven), Fernandinho, Erick (Cuello), Vitor Bueno, Canobbio (Leo Cittadini) and Lucas Esquivel; Vitor Roque (Thiago Andrade).
Coach: Wesley Carvalho.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 2x1 Athletico-PR - First leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date and time: 05/07/2023 at 21:30 pm
Refereeing: Flavio Rodrigues de Souza (FIFA/SP), Guilherme Dias Camilo (FIFA/MG) and Rafael da Silva Alves (FIFA/RS)
Yellow cards: Bento (CAP), Erick (FLA), Wesley (FLA) and Thiago Andrade (CAP)
Goals: Canobbio (6'1st half), Pedro (9'2nd half) and Bruno Henrique (25'2nd half).