Flamengo increasingly dominates Bahia, scoring twice in the first half, winning 2-0 and securing first place in the 2018 Brazilian Championship with 17 points. Playing in their new away kit, they were a completely superior team, even having 75% possession in the first half. In the second half, they took advantage of counter-attacks, but without increasing the score. There was no need. In front of more than 55 fans, another Flamengo show at the Maracanã and the lead at the end. 

Fan membership makes Flamengo stronger and gets discounts on everyday life. You pay less for fuel, medicine, official Mengão merchandise, and much more. Click here and #VemProNação!

With the fans filling the stands, sporting new jerseys, and with first place at stake, Flamengo went on the attack against Bahia. Just six minutes in, Paquetá tested goalkeeper Anderson for the first time, forcing him into a great save from a long-range shot. From the resulting corner, another great opportunity arose when Jonas pounced on the rebound, his shot just missing the Bahia goalpost. 

The pace slowed down a bit, but Flamengo had total control of the game. With 75% possession, Bahia watched Flamengo pass the ball around and wait for the best opportunity. It came in the 25th minute, after a corner kick. Diego took the corner, Paquetá headed it against the post, and the ball fell to Henrique Dourado, who was pulled down and hampered at the moment of the shot. 

The pressure and dominance paid off near the end of the first half. In the 43rd minute, Diego exchanged passes with Renê, received the ball in front of goal, and showed no mercy. One-nil, sparking an explosion of joy from the Flamengo fans in the stadium. The blow hit Bahia hard, leaving them on the ropes. Two minutes later, another setback. Renê started another play and found Lucas Paquetá making a precise run, passing with precision. The number 11 simply chipped the ball over the goalkeeper and went to celebrate with the fans. Two-nil to close out the first half well at the Maracanã. 

With the score in their favor, Flamengo returned for the second half with the game going their way. Bahia launched an attack, leaving spaces for counter-attacks. At 10 minutes, the first opportunity of the half. Vinicius Junior went down the left and found himself one-on-one with Anderson. Instead of shooting, he looked for Everton Ribeiro, but the pass went behind him. Paquetá and Dourado tried to shoot, but the defense cleared. At 18 minutes, another chance on the counter-attack. Diego sprinted quickly down the left and crossed to Everton Ribeiro, who took a first-time shot, but the ball went wide. 

Bahia increased the pressure, needing the result. But Flamengo had Diego Alves. Always well-positioned, the number 1 made two excellent saves from consecutive shots by Zé Alves and Rafael, preventing a goal for Bahia. He was then cheered by the Flamengo fans at the Maracanã. 

The following minutes were used to seal the victory. A result built over 45 minutes and secured at the end. Now, the team turns its attention to the game against Corinthians, on Sunday, also at the Maracanã, at 16 pm.