Flamengo took the lead in the quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Copa Sudamericana. On Wednesday, the "Mais Querido" defeated Fla-Flu 1-0, with a goal from Éverton in the 27th minute of the first half, and now hopes for a draw in the return leg next week, also at Maracanã. It was the seventh meeting between the teams this year, Flamengo's third victory, with four draws. 

Fan club members have the pride of playing alongside each victory: the money goes to football and brings more reinforcements, new talent, and infrastructure to the training center. And they also have advantages in official stores to buy the jersey and wear it with pride! Click and join now.

The first half started off slow, with the teams studying each other and Flamengo launching the first dangerous attacks. Six minutes in, Diego took a free kick in the box, and the defense cleared it. Cuéllar grabbed the rebound and sent it toward goal, but the ball deflected off Réver and went wide. 

The game was going well, with Flamengo controlling the action, but in the 15th minute, bad news broke. Captain Réver was stepped on by Marcos Junior and ended up twisting his knee. He was replaced by Rhodolfo. The scenario, however, didn't change, and only Flamengo played. And they were rewarded with the first goal. In the 27th minute, Everton Ribeiro found Arão on the right. The midfielder cut in quickly and passed the ball to the center of the six-yard box, where Everton was poised to score, his third for Fluminense this year.

And with the attack working, goalkeeper Diego Alves also worked hard. In the 41st minute, Henrique Dourado fired a shot one-on-one with the number 24, but Diego palmed it away, denying the Tricolor's best chance of the match, keeping the first-half score at 1-0. 

The second half began more evenly, with Fluminense looking to gain more control of the game, while Flamengo tried to capitalize on counterattacks. Their final pass, however, was falling short, and their good opportunities were not being converted with any real danger. In the 14th minute, Diego Alves again worked. Scarpa unleashed a beautiful shot from outside the box; the ball was headed for the top corner, but the goalkeeper was there to save it and keep the score at bay. 

Fluminense had the better chances. In the 21st minute, Sornoza fired a shot from inside the box, and the ball went just wide of the goal. Shortly after, Dourado hit the post. Flamengo responded in the 38th minute with Juan, who rose unmarked after a free kick and also headed the ball against the post. But he didn't need to, and Flamengo finished the first 90 minutes ahead.