In a game that completes the ninth round of the Brasileirão, Flamengo got the better of Vasco by 4 to 1 on Monday night (5), at Maracanã. In a devastating first half, Erick, Gerson, Pedro and Ayrton Lucas scored the goals in the great red-black victory in the Clássico dos Milhões.

With the result, Mengão moved up to fifth place in the national championship. Now, Sampaoli's team turns its attention to the Libertadores, when it faces Racing next Thursday (8), again at Maraca.

The game
The start of the match was marked by a fierce battle for possession. Flamengo tried to gain control of the game, but found it somewhat difficult due to the Cruzmaltino team's tight marking.

In the first sharp move, in the 13th minute, Mengão opened the scoring with a stunning goal! Pedro stole the ball and passed it to Arrascaeta. The Uruguayan was brought down by Galarza, but the ball fell to Erick, who hit a beautiful shot into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance: 1-0.

One after another! Two minutes later, the Red-Blacks doubled their lead, much to the nation's delight! Wesley passed to Arrascaeta, who crossed perfectly for Gerson to head home with style. Mengão's second goal after just 15 minutes of play.

The red-and-black team continued exchanging passes in the attacking half, looking for more goals. And they nearly scored another great goal in the 29th minute. Erick crossed into the box, Vasco's defense partially cleared it, and the ball fell to Arrascaeta at the edge of the box. The number 14 adjusted it onto his good foot and struck hard. The ball exploded off the crossbar.

In the final minutes of the first half, the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) scored the third goal, much to the delight of the Rubro-Negra Nation! In a solo play, Matheus França got past Pumita in the box and passed to Ayrton Lucas. The full-back took a right-footed shot into the corner. The ball deflected off Pedro before going in. The referee awarded the goal to the Rubro-Negra center forward: 3-0.

And it turned into a rout! Still in the first half, Flamengo scored the fourth goal. Gerson stole the ball and released Ayrton Lucas at speed. He easily beat the ball, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and tapped it into the net: 4-0. Flamengo went into halftime with the game completely under control.

At the start of the second half, Vasco tried to press in an attempt to reduce the deficit, but the red-and-black defense managed to neutralize the dangerous moves. In the 10th minute, the referee consulted VAR and awarded a penalty by Gerson on Jair. The midfielder himself stepped up to take the penalty and scored for Vasco, making it 4-1.  

After the Cruzmaltino goal, Mais Querido remained calm and continued to value possession in attack, managing the advantage gained in the first half.

Next appointment
Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Thursday (8) to face Racing, at 21 pm, at Maracanã, for the fifth round of Group A of the Libertadores.

Flamengo
Matheus Cunha; Wesley, Fabrício Bruno, David Luiz and Ayrton Lucas (Filipe Luis)); Thiago Maia (Vidal), Erick and Gerson; Arrascaeta (Everton Cebolinha), Matheus França (Victor Hugo) and Pedro.
Coach: Jorge Sampaoli.

Vasco
Leo Jardim; Miranda, Capasso and Leo; Puma Rodrigues, Jair, Galarza (Matheus Carvalho), Orellano (Barros) (Zé Gabriel), Alex Teixeira (Gabriel Pec) and Lucas Piton; Pedro Raul.
Coach: Mauricio Barbieri.

Technical sheet
Vasco 1 x 4 Flamengo – 9th Round of the Brazilian Championship
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date: 05 / 06 / 2023
Arbitration: Braulio da Silva Machado, Alex dos Santos and Thiaggo Americano Labes
Yellow cards: Alex Teixeira (VAS), Capasso (VAS)
Goals: Erick (13'1st half), Gerson (15'1st half), Pedro (41'1st half), Ayrton Lucas (46'1st half) and Jair (12'2nd half).

1️⃣,2️⃣,3️⃣,4️⃣ ❤️?

Flamengo's rout against Vasco, straight from the Maracanã pitch! #Let's Flamengo

⚽⚽⚽⚽: Erick, Gerson, Ayrton Lucas (2x) pic.twitter.com/372WxRcpul

- Flamengo (@Flamengo) June 6, 2023