A victory. That was all Flamengo needed this Wednesday against Emelec at the Maracanã. Early qualification for the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16 depended on it, and it came. With two goals from Everton Ribeiro, both in the second half, the Mais Querido defeated the Ecuadorian team and secured their place, with nine points. Now, the match against River Plate next Wednesday (23) will be to define the group leadership and the advantage of playing the second leg of the round of 16 at home. 

More than 35 fans went to the stadium and watched a match where Flamengo completely dominated from start to finish, but divided into very distinct halves. In the first half, there was a lot of possession in midfield and some attacks, but few with real danger. In the second half, it was a different game. The early goal opened up the field and Flamengo and Emelec began to attack more. However, it was Flamengo who were more competent, ultimately securing the victory thanks to the special factor of wearing the number seven shirt. 

Everton Ribeiro had been putting in some good performances, rediscovering his best form. But today he excelled. Quick touches, long passes, dribbles, and two beautiful goals. Absolutely beautiful, in fact. The first was a goal born of anger. The ball just wouldn't go in, Diego tried, Renê tried, but when it finally fell to Miteiro, he unleashed a powerful shot and opened the scoring early in the second half, relieving the fans' unease. The second was a display of class. With the scoreline secured at the end, against a defeated opponent, Everton delivered the final blow and sealed passage to the round of 16. 

The first chance came with Vinicius Junior, just five minutes in. And what a chance! The Flamengo youth player took advantage of a defensive lapse, dribbled past defenders, and tried to chip Dreer, but the ball went too high. It would have been a spectacular goal. The game then cooled down and became very concentrated in midfield, with both teams studying each other carefully and creating few opportunities. 

At 16 minutes, Flamengo attacked again. Everton Ribeiro launched a counter-attack, passed to Diego in midfield, who then found Paquetá. The number 11 carried the ball to the edge of the area and shot, but weakly, to the left of the Ecuadorian goal. At 23 minutes, the goal celebration almost caught in their throats. From a corner on the left, Juan rose higher than everyone else and headed the ball against the post. The team grew in confidence and chances became more frequent. Two minutes later, Vinicius Junior made a dazzling run down the left and crossed. The defense cleared, and Everton Ribeiro unleashed a beautiful shot that went very close to the goal. 

Flamengo dominated. Vinicius, once again, made a run down his preferred area, crossed the ball, and Dourado, inside the box, shot but Dreer made the save. Emelec could only defend and look for counter-attacks. In the 36th minute, another good chance. From a free-kick just outside the area, Diego struck well, but the ball went too high and wide. Flamengo had total control of the match, with 55% possession, and in the 43rd minute, Juan again had another opportunity with a header, but the ball went wide again. And the first half ended goalless. 

Returning from halftime, Leo Duarte replaced Juan, who felt a twinge in his thigh. But the team didn't let it affect them. Quite the opposite. Two minutes later, the goal came and the stands erupted. Vinicius Junior exchanged passes with Renê, and the full-back made a spectacular play, passing the ball to the middle looking for Diego. The number 10 shot, Dreer parried, but Everton Ribeiro didn't miss. He unleashed a powerful shot and ran to celebrate with the fans. 

Emelec loosened up in the game, giving Flamengo space on the field, and the match improved. At 15 minutes, Rodinei almost extended the lead. Everton Ribeiro crossed, the defense cleared, and the full-back unleashed a powerful shot, but the ball went wide. But the best chance to extend the lead came at 27 minutes. Rodinei launched Vinicius Junior, but Dreer got there first. However, the goalkeeper made a poor clearance, and the ball fell to Dourado. The striker shot well from outside the area, but the defense cleared it near the line. 

The fans wanted another goal, but it stubbornly refused to come. At 32 minutes, the Emelec defender passed the ball back incorrectly, and it fell to Vinicius Junior's feet. The striker expected to be offside, but the referee waved play on. The young number 20 was one-on-one with Deer, but passed back, looking for Paquetá, however the defense cleared. 

Emelec had a great chance in the 39th minute. Preciado tried to lob Diego Alves, but the goalkeeper, very well positioned, rose high and prevented the equalizer. It was a crucial moment for the opponents, but not for Flamengo. In the 45th minute, Everton Ribeiro made his mark again. A perfect free-kick, into the top corner, to watch and rewatch several times. The crowning achievement of a spectacular performance and Flamengo qualified.