Flamengo defeated Botafogo 1-0 this Sunday at the Maracanã to win the Taça Rio. Now, the red-and-black team will compete for its third Rio de Janeiro championship title over the next two Sundays, against Botafogo, the first-round champion. With an own goal from defender Emerson in the second half, the red-and-black team prevailed over Ney Franco's team and was able to delight Flamengo fans, who packed the Maracanã stands.

In front of over 80 fans, Flamengo launched into the attack in the opening minutes. Emerson had the first chance for Flamengo, but the number 11's shot went wide. Soon after, Juan took a shot from the edge of the box, scaring Renan.

The Gávea team dominated the midfield and had most of the ball, but couldn't threaten Renan's goal. Botafogo exploited counterattacks with the attacking trio of Maicosuel, Reinaldo, and Victor Simões. In the 14th minute, Victor Simões received the ball in the penalty area and missed a great opportunity in front of Bruno.

In the 19th minute, Willians made a mistake in Flamengo's penalty area, and the ball fell to Maicosuel. The Botafogo midfielder fired a dangerous shot that hit Bruno's right post. Botafogo had their last good chance of the first half in the 42nd minute, thanks to a free kick taken by Juninho.

Flamengo returned for the second half pressing hard, giving the black-and-white team no room. In the 15th minute, Kleberson shot from outside the box, but Renan made a beautiful save, saving Botafogo. Two minutes later, the red-and-black team opened the scoring. After a free kick from the left, Botafogo defender Emerson shot into his own net: 1-0 Flamengo.

The advantage fired up the Flamengo fans, who pushed the team to score a second goal. Firmly defending, with Willians and Airton playing well, the Flamengo held off Botafogo's fast attack. In the 33rd minute, coach Cuca brought on young Erick Flores to replace Zé Roberto.

In the 41st minute, Thiaguinho committed a violent foul on Juan and was sent off by referee Luis Antônio Silva dos Santos. With an extra man on the field, the red-and-blacks had a chance to extend their lead with Josiel, who had come on shortly before for Emerson, but the number 9's shot went over Renan's goal.

Flamengo capitalized on their numerical advantage and passed the ball around to await the referee's final whistle. Flamengo fans celebrated in the stands at Maracanã.

CREDITS:

FLAMENGO 1 X 0 BOTAFOGO

Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/time: 19/4/2009 - 16:1.456,470,00 p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Luiz Antonio Silva dos Santos (RJ)\ Assistants: Ediney Guerreiro Mascarenhas (RJ) and Jorge Luis Campos Roxo (RJ)\ Revenue/attendance: R$ 75.395 / 83.354 paying spectators (41 present)\ Yellow cards: Emerson and Ibson (FLA) Reinaldo, Alessandro, Maicosuel and Emerson (BOT)\ Red cards: Thiaguinho, 2'/XNUMXnd half (BOT)\

LAKE: Emerson (against), 17'/2nd T (FLA)

FLAMENGO: Bruno, Aírton, Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim; Léo Moura, Willians, Kleberson, Ibson (Toró, 43'/2nd half) and Juan; Ze Roberto (Erick Flores, 33'/2nd half) and Emerson (Josiel, 40'/2nd half). Coach: Cuca.

BOTAFOGO: Renan, Emerson (Túlio Souza, 44'/2nd half), Juninho and Leandro Guerreiro; Alessandro, Fahel (Renato, 28'/2nd half), Léo Silva (Gabriel, 28'/2nd half), Maicosuel and Thiaguinho; Reinaldo and Victor Simões - Coach Ney Franco