On the night of a decisive duel in Group E of the Libertadores, Flamengo imposed itself from the start and thrashed Bolívar 4-0, this Wednesday (15), at Maracanã, returning to second place in its group with seven points. Gerson, Ayrton Lucas, Cebolinha and Pedro scored the red-black goals. Now, Mengão depends only on itself in the last round to guarantee qualification to the round of XNUMX of the continental competition.

The game
Mengão started the match strongly, and less than a minute later, they opened the scoring at Maraca! Cebolinha carried the ball down the left, dribbled past three defenders, and crossed into the box. Gerson appeared unmarked in the box, controlled the ball, and beat the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

After the goal, Flamengo continued to press Bolívar in search of more. In the sixth minute, Ayrton Lucas reached the byline and sent a low cross into the box. Arrascaeta controlled the ball and passed it to De La Cruz at the edge of the box. The Uruguayan fired over the bar.

Bolívar responded with a dangerous effort in the 13th minute. Pato Rodríguez entered the box and shot against the post. Rossi saved the red-and-black team on the rebound. Five minutes later, the Mais Querido threatened again. Pedro passed the ball to Gerson, who advanced toward the box and struck hard. The ball went over the goal.

The second almost came in the 26th minute. Cebolinha advanced unmarked towards goal and passed to Pedro in the box. The number 9 attempted a shot but was blocked by Sagredo. The ball fell to Arrascaeta, who unleashed a powerful shot at the goalkeeper. Shortly after, it was Pedro's turn to take a chance. He attempted a shot into the top corner, but Lampe saved another.

In the 37th minute, Mengão scored the second goal, which the nation celebrated! Gerson crossed into the box, Bolívar's defense cleared poorly, and Ayrton Lucas took advantage to bulge the opposing net: 2-0.

Four minutes later, the third came to really ignite the Maracanã! De La Cruz made the tackle in the attacking half, and the ball fell to Cebolinha, who beat the goalkeeper to make it 3-0. A spectacular first-half performance from Mengão!

At the start of the second half, Bolívar tried to come out more into the game in search of reducing the difference, but the red-black defensive system managed to neutralize the plays without suffering any scares.

In the 10th minute, the Mais Querido scored the fourth! De La Cruz passed to Pedro in the box, he controlled with his back to goal and passed to Gerson, who returned the ball to the number 9 who hit it into the corner, leaving no chance for Lampe: 4-0.

With the match practically decided, Tite immediately made three substitutions. Among them, Lorran came on, who narrowly missed the net in the 29th minute. Luiz Araújo took a corner kick, and the young striker headed wide, hitting the crossbar.

Even with a four-point lead, the team's approach remained the same, always looking to attack. In the final play of the match, Ayrton Lucas hit a rocket off the post and nearly made it five. With the victory, Rubro-Negro reclaimed second place in Group E with seven points, also improving their goal difference, which now stands at +4.

Week's agenda
Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Wednesday (22) to face Amazonas, at 21:30 pm, at Arena da Amazônia, for the second leg of the Third Phase of the Copa do Brasil.

Flamengo
Rossi; Varela, Fabricio Bruno, Leo Pereira (David Luiz) and Ayrton Lucas; Alla, De La Cruz (Igor Jesus) and Arrascaeta (Lorran); Gerson, Everton Cebolinha (Luiz Araújo) and Pedro (Gabi).
Coach: Tite.

Bolívar
Lampe; Saavedra (Rocha), Orihuela, Ordóñez and José Sagredo; Justiniano, Saucedo and Ramiro Vaca (Lucas Chávez); Bruno Savio, Francisco da Costa and Pato Rodríguez (Henry Vaca).
Coach: Flavio Robatto.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 4x0 Bolívar – 5th Round of Group E of the Libertadores
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date and time: 15/05/2024 at 21:30 pm
Referees: Andres Matonte (URU), Carlos Barreiro (URU) and Horacio Ferreiro (URU)
Yellow cards: José Sagredo (BOL), Bruno Sávio (BOL) and Gabi (FLA)
Goals: Gerson (1'1st half), Ayrton Lucas (37'1st half), Everton Cebolinha (42'1st half) and Pedro (10'2nd half).

END OF THE GAME AT MARACA! MENGÃO THREAT BOLÍVAR 4-0 WITH GOALS FROM GERSON, AYRTON LUCAS, CEBOLINHA AND PEDRO, IN THE GROUP STAGE OF THE @LibertadoresBR! #CRF #Let's Flamengo pic.twitter.com/6FhLnDvniO

- Flamengo (@Flamengo) May 16, 2024