Flamengo defeated Friburguense 4-1 this Wednesday night at Maracanã Stadium. With the rout, the red-and-black team reached 15 points and virtually secured a spot in the semifinals of the Taça Rio.

Flamengo had a superior start. Just nine minutes in, Fábio Luciano passed to Marcinho, who fired over the bar. A minute later, Renato Augusto set up Ibson at the edge of the box, but the number seven's shot went just wide of the post.

After the opening 15 minutes, Friburguense improved the match, scaring goalkeeper Bruno with shots from outside the box by Victor Hugo and Carlos Alberto. In the 19th minute, Juan took a free kick from the right, and Marcinho headed it into the net: 1-0. Two minutes later, the red-and-black team extended their lead. Léo Moura made a beautiful play and crossed for Marcinho. The number 22 passed to Renato Agusto, who fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Adriano: 2-0 Flamengo.

With the advantage on the scoreboard, the team from Gávea slowed down the pace, and gave space to Friburguense, who almost scored the first in the 35th minute, with a shot from Léo Andrade.

Needing a good result, the team from the Serrana region went on the attack in the second half. Just ten minutes in, Ziquinha passed to Léo Andrade, who fired a beautiful shot past Bruno: 2-1. Friburguense threatened again in the 29th minute, with Ziquinha wasting a good chance.

In the 30th minute, Flamengo doubled their lead. Obina provided a beautiful pass to Léo Moura, who fired a powerful shot: 3-1 Flamengo. In the 39th minute, Flamengo closed the scoring. Renato Augusto made a beautiful play and passed to Juan. The full-back crossed into the box, and Marcinho scored his second goal of the match: 4-1.

In the next round, Flamengo faces Madureira, on Saturday, at Maracanã.

FLAMENGO 4 X 1 FRIBURGUENSE\ Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/time: 26/03/2005 - 21:45 p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Simone Xavier\ Assistants: Fernanda Lisboa and Lilian Fernandes\ Revenue/attendance: R$ 78.323,50 / 7.818 paying spectators\ Yellow cards: Cristian (FLA); Felipe Marques, Elan (FRI)\ Red cards:\ GOALS: Marcinho, 19'/1st H (1-0); Renato Augusto, 20'/1st H (2-0); Léo Andrade, 10'/2nd H (2-1); Léo Moura, 29'/2nd H (3-1); Marcinho, 33'/2nd H (4-1)\ FLAMENGO: Bruno, Leonardo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Cristian, Toró, Ibson (Jonatas - 32'/2nd H) and Renato Augusto (Diego Tardelli - 36'/2nd H); Marcinho and Souza (Obina - 5'/2nd H) - Coach: Joel Santana.\ FRIBURGUENSE: Adriano, Everton, Cadão, Felipe Marques and Gilson; Elan, Cassiano, Victor Hugo (Diego - 31'/2nd\ H) and Carlos Alberto (Guido - 24'/2nd H); Alex (Ziquinha - half-time) and Leo Andrade - Coach: Cleimar Rocha.\

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