In a closely contested match, Flamengo missed the chance to take the lead in the Brazilian Championship after drawing 2-2 with Portuguesa this Saturday afternoon at Maracanã. The draw kept Flamengo in fifth place with 57 points. The fans are now turning their attention to their direct competitors, Cruzeiro, Palmeiras, São Paulo, and Grêmio.

Cheered on by over 45 fans, Flamengo attacked Portuguesa in the opening minutes and scored the first goal. Five minutes in, after a corner kick from Marcelinho Paraíba, Jailton made a beautiful run down the right and crossed perfectly for Fábio Luciano to volley home: 1-0 Flamengo. The celebration included a tribute to his daughter Isabella, who was born last Sunday.

Even with the goal, Flamengo didn't slow down and nearly extended their lead in the seventh minute through Ronaldo Angelim and in the eighth minute through captain Fábio Luciano. Portuguesa was threatening with plays set up by Preto and Athirson.

In the 35th minute, Marcelinho Paraíba took a corner kick and nearly scored. The São Paulo team responded three minutes later. After Athirson's cross, Erick headed dangerously. Estevão Soares' team surged late on and nearly equalized through Athirson, but the full-back's shot went over Bruno's goal.

Flamengo returned for the second half with Fierro replacing Kleberson. Early in the second half, Portuguesa threatened with shots from Raí and Erick. Six minutes in, the São Paulo team equalized. Jonas received the ball in the penalty area and slotted it into Bruno's corner: 1-1 at the Maracanã.

In the 13th minute, Fábio Luciano capitalized on a clearance from Portuguesa's defense and nearly scored his second goal. Soon after, Erick received the ball alone on the right and crossed for Athirson to head home, making it 2-1. With Flamengo trailing, Caio Júnior made a change, bringing on Everton and Maxi for Marcelinho and Jailton. The changes improved the team, and Flamengo had good chances to equalize through Maxi, Ibson, and Juan.

The red-and-black pressure paid off in the 38th minute. Everton crossed from the left and Maxi headed in to tie the match: 2-2. During the goal celebration, Obina and Patrício were sent off. The red-and-black team continued to fight, but the result was still a draw.

Flamengo's next opponent in the Brazilian Championship is on Sunday, against Botafogo, at Maracanã.

FLAMENGO 2 X 2 PORTUGUESA\ Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/time: 1/11/2008 - 18:30 p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Heber Roberto Lopes (Fifa-PR)\ Assistants: Aparecido Donizetti Santana (PR) and José Carlos dias Passos (PR)\

Revenue/attendance: R$ 691.387,00 / 41.332 pages.\ Yellow cards: Everton, Maxi (FLA); and Bruno Rodrigo (POR)\ Red cards: Obina (FLA), 39'/2nd half; Patrício (POR), 39'/2nd half\ GOALS: Fábio Luciano, 5'/1st half (1-0); Jonas, 9'/2nd half (1-1); Athirson, 13'/2nd half (1-2); Maxi, 38'/2nd half (2-2).\

FLAMENGO: Bruno, Jaílton (Maxi, 23'/2nd half), Fabio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim; Leo Moura, Toró, Ibson, Kleberson (Fierro, half-time) and Juan; Marcelinho Paraíba (Everton, 17'/2nd half) and Obina. Coach: Caio Junior.

PORTUGUESE: Gottardi, Bruno Rodrigo, Erick and Ediglê (Hallison, 26'/1st half); Patrício, Gavillán, Rai, Preto (Dias, 36'2nd half) and Athirson; Jonas (Héverton, 29'/2nd half) and Edno. Coach: Estevam Soares.