Flamengo took to the field for the CONMEBOL Libertadores Bridgestone this Wednesday (26). Even away from home and playing on a field where they historically have a disadvantage in results, the Rubro-Negro fought and dominated for much of the 90 minutes of the game. Still, they were defeated by the home team 2-1. Thiago Heleno and Gedoz scored Atlético-PR's goals, while Arão reduced the deficit in the final minutes. With the result, Flamengo ends the round in second place, with six points, just one point behind Atlético-PR, who took the lead with seven points.

 

Flamengo's next match is on Sunday (30), against Fluminense, for the first leg of the Carioca Championship final. In the continental competition, Mais Querido faces Universidad Católica-CHI, at Maracanã, on the 3rd. Click here and find out how to guarantee your place to support Mengão.

Atlético-PR took advantage of its knowledge of the stadium and went on the attack in the opening ten minutes. Managing to hold off Atlético's pressure well, Flamengo balanced the game and began to take the initiative with the ball. Guerrero had a good chance in the tenth minute, Rômulo nearly scored with a header in the eleventh, and in the twelfth, the number nine nearly opened the scoring. He led a counterattack, dribbled past the defender, and shot, but the ball went wide. The Nação Rubro-Negra (Red-Black Nation) present at the Arena da Baixada—more than 11 Flamengo fans—was making a lot of noise, and the Mais Querido (Flamengo's Favorite) continued to create chances. In the 12th minute, Thiago Heleno opened the scoring from a set piece. The score remained the same until halftime.

Upon returning to the field, Flamengo played with even more intensity. Atlético-PR was forced to play in their own half, doing whatever they could to withstand the pressure from Rio. Guerrero managed to score in the third minute, deflecting a shot from Trauco; however, he was ruled offside. Trauco attempted to equalize with a beautiful cross from Guerrero, but his first-time shot went over the bar. Flamengo's dominance of the match was evident, and the "Mais Querido" (Flamengo's Favorite) finished with 54% possession, as well as seven more shots than their opponents. Zé Ricardo made changes to the team's game plan. Rômulo, Renê, and Márcio Araújo were substituted for Matheus Sávio, Leandro Damião, and Mancuello. The ball almost went in in the 30th minute. Damião headed the ball against the crossbar. Guerrero got to the rebound and blocked the ball from Weverton, but the Atlético goalkeeper recovered and saved. In the 42nd minute, Atlético-PR capitalized on a timely move and Gedoz doubled the lead. Willian Arão reduced the deficit shortly after, in the 44th minute, taking advantage of a rebounded ball in the box, but the final whistle blew with the Paraná team in the lead.