In a dominant performance, Flamengo beats Bangu 3-0 in the Rio Cup

The result guarantees the Mais Querido in the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca

By - in 22/03/2017 às 23:58

45 minutes of pure red-black pressure. This was how the first half of the match between Flamengo and Bangu could be defined, held on Wednesday night (22) at the Raulino de Oliveira stadium, in Volta Redonda.

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Despite the score remaining tied at the end of the first half, "Mais Querido" (the most beloved team) went out on the field relentlessly to secure the victory. In a stellar collective performance, with intense movement and quick passing, the chances to open the scoring were created by the attacking sector, despite Bangu's game plan of hiding in defense and seeking counterattacks.

With a significant percentage of possession, which reached 81% in the first half, Zé Ricardo's team came up against great saves from goalkeeper Márcio, who prevented the red-black goal.

The tone of the second half remained the same. Flamengo faced a Bangu side that was tight and conceded little space, but maintained its intensity and pressed their opponent.

The main chances came from plays down the wings and, especially, from shots outside the box. On one of these attempts, Renê broke the deadlock in style. In the 28th minute, the left-back fired a powerful shot into the top corner of goalkeeper Márcio's net, scoring his first goal in the Sacred Mantle.

From that moment on, Flamengo's superiority on the field began to translate into goals. The clock read 39 minutes when Pará delivered a perfect cross to Leandro Damião, who beat the goalkeeper and bulged the net with a thunderous header, extending Flamengo's lead.

Three minutes after the No. 18's goal, Matheus Sávio sealed the victory. In a beautiful exchange of passes with Renê on the left flank, Éverton found the young midfielder inside the penalty area, who skillfully slotted the ball into the net.

The result qualifies Mais Querido for the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca early. However, the Taça Rio is still in full swing, with a classic in sight. This Sunday (26), at the Mané Garrincha stadium in Brasília, Flamengo will seek another victory over Vasco. The match will start at 18:30 pm.