It wasn't easy, but the mission was accomplished. Flamengo took the field against Santos on Wednesday night at Vila Belmiro, with a significant lead gained at Ilha do Urubu. In the first leg of the quarterfinals, the Red-Blacks won 2-0 and could have even lost by a single goal and still secured a spot. An early goal increased their lead, allowing them to potentially lose by two goals. And that's what happened. A 4-2 victory for the home team wasn't enough, and Flamengo secured a spot in the semifinals with a 4-4 aggregate score, thanks to away goals. Now, the "Mais Querido" will face rival Botafogo on August 16th and 23rd. The home team's home order will be determined by a draw. 

Before the match, the players displayed a banner in support of attacking midfielder Ederson, who was diagnosed with a tumor in his testicles and will undergo surgery. 










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With a strong lead, Flamengo refused to hold back. Just three minutes in, Guerrero played the pivot and found Berrio. The Colombian cut in from the right and shot hard, but the ball went up. But five minutes later, the player had another chance. After a beautiful pass from Diego, the number 28 made no mistake and opened the scoring, extending the lead. 

The match continued to go Flamengo's way. Santos showed up to play, and the Mais Querido used counterattacks effectively. In the 16th minute, Berrio returned the assists and crossed for Guerrero, who headed powerfully, but Vanderlei couldn't help but notice. 

With a 3-0 aggregate score, Flamengo began to gain more composure and created good opportunities. But it was Santos who came through, through Bruno Henrique, who hit a beautiful shot and equalized in the 33rd minute. The goal shocked the team, which resumed pressure, and the game heated up. Rever scored in the 38th minute, but referee Leandro Vuaden flagged Guerrero for a foul and disallowed it. Two minutes later, the referee awarded a penalty for Rever on Bruno Henrique, but, after being warned by the fourth official, reversed the decision. And the first half ended in a draw. 

Flamengo came out swinging in the second half. In the first minute, Everton made a great play and found Guerrero free to score for the 19th time this season, breaking his own record for goals in a calendar year. But the home team was undeterred and pressed forward, taking advantage of the Rio defense's inattention to score two goals in just two minutes, with Copete and Victor Ferraz, turning the game around. 

What had been peaceful turned into drama. Zé Ricardo replaced Berrio, who had a yellow card, with Rodinei, while Santos gained ground with the fans pushing. They almost reached the 34th minute, but Muralha was well-positioned to head in Victor Ramos. Flamengo responded with Berrio, a minute later, firing a powerful shot that Vanderlei saved. 

The rest of the match continued at the same pace, with Santos pressing forward and Flamengo defending and making their significant advantage count. Time was on their side, and in the 46th minute, Diego nearly scored from a free kick. In the 48th minute, Santos scored again, but there was no time, and Flamengo took the lead.