For the first time in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo occupies a position among the top four. With a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Corinthians at Maracanã, the team moved up to third place, securing one of the spots in the 2008 Copa Libertadores. This fifth consecutive victory came in front of more than 70 Flamengo fans.

Flamengo didn't start the first half well. With numerous misplaced passes and a lack of movement, the club couldn't threaten the opposing goal. Corinthians were leveling the playing field, and in a quick attack, midfielder Lulinha dribbled past Cristian and crossed for Finazzi to open the scoring in the 26th minute.

Flamengo felt the blow and nearly conceded a second goal after a shot from Bruno Bonfim in the 37th minute. The team was unable to penetrate Corinthians' defense, as the opposing players thwarted the red-and-black attack with fouls.

After persistently pushing, Flamengo managed to equalize. In the 45th minute of the first half, Maxi passed the ball to Souza in the box. The forward backheeled it back to Ibson, who slotted it into the corner past goalkeeper Felipe. The Flamengo fans celebrated as the team headed to the locker room.

For the second half, Flamengo came out with a different approach and lineup. Coach Joel Santana took off the attacking duo of Maxi and Souza and brought on Obina and Roger. The changes quickly took effect, and Juan missed a big chance in the first minute.

Flamengo took control of the game and nearly extended their lead with a beautiful shot from outside the box by Léo Moura. The Corinthians goalkeeper made a stunning save.

The Gávea team's pressure continued, and in the 30th minute, Roger scored a beautiful goal for Flamengo. The midfielder burst into the opponent's box and fired a powerful shot, leaving the Corinthians goalkeeper unable to stop it. The São Paulo team nearly equalized late in the match, thanks to a dangerous shot from Héverton.

Flamengo played the ball and waited for the referee's whistle to celebrate their entry into the G-4 and their ever-increasing chances of competing in the 2008 Libertadores.

FLAMENGO 2 X 1 CORINTHIANS\ Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/time: 10/31/2007 - 21:45pm (Brasília time)\ Referee: Leonardo Gaciba (Fifa-RS)\ Assistants: Altemir Hausmann (Fifa-RS) and Roberto Braatz (Fifa-PR)\ Revenue/attendance: R$ 896.523,00/ 62.026 paying spectators (70.178 present)\ Yellow cards: Souza, Toró (FLA); Fábio Ferreira, Zelão(COR)\ Red cards: None\ GOALS: Finazzi, 26'/1st half (0-1); Ibson, 46'/1st half (1-1); Roger, 29'/2nd Half (2-1)\ FLAMENGO: Bruno, Leo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim (Obina, 5'2H) and Juan; Jailton, Cristian, Ibson and Toro; Maxi (Roger, Half-Time) and Souza (Obina, Half-Time). Coach: Joel Santana.\ CORINTHIANS: Felipe, Betão, Zelao and Fabio Ferreira; Iran, Carlos Alberto (Bruno Octávio, 43'1H), Moradei, Lulinha (Héverton, 26'2H) and Gustavo Nery; Dentinho (Arce, 21'2H) and Finazzi. Coach: Nelsinho Batista.\