Flamengo took the field this Sunday looking for a victory that would erase last Thursday's poor result and put the team in a strong position in the standings. However, on the other side, Cruzeiro was playing defensively and with the support of a packed Mineirão stadium. The 1-1 draw ended up being the fairest result. Now, the Mais Querido remains in the top four with 4 points, but could be overtaken by Sport, who plays this Monday against Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro. 

The first half was a sparse affair for both sides. The teams studied each other closely, and Cruzeiro played a defensive game. Flamengo finished the half with 63% possession and, consequently, more dominant, but only managed three shots. The draw at the end was a testament to 45 minutes of rare opportunities.  

Flamengo had the first of their few chances, just three minutes in. Everton crossed from the left, goalkeeper Fabio challenged Diego and released the ball, but he held it back before Guerrero could get to it. Cruzeiro responded a minute later, with Thiago Neves forcing a great save. 

The game continued at a slow pace, with the ball stuck in midfield. Flamengo only threatened again with Everton Ribeiro's shot from outside the box in the 15th minute. Cruzeiro had a good opportunity in the 22nd minute, from a corner kick. Léo rose higher than the defense and headed the ball wide, just wide.  

The red-and-black response was slow, but it came. A spectacular one-two between Everton and Guerrero resulted in the ball falling to the number 22 in front of goal, but his shot went wide of the goal line, narrowly missing the post. 

Check out the photo gallery of the match

Second time 

The home side came out in high spirits and nearly opened the scoring within five minutes, with Élber scoring twice. But it was Flamengo who got there, through Everton, in fine form and once again opportunistic. Rodinei delivered a beautiful cross from the right and found the striker free at the edge of the six-yard box. Everton tapped in and ran for the win in the eighth minute of the second half.  

But the lead didn't last long. Mano Menezes changed his team, replacing Élber with Sassá, and in the first play on the field, the striker took advantage of a pass from Diogo Barbosa and equalized.

Flamengo felt the blow. Zé Ricardo made a change, replacing Everton Ribeiro with Geuvânio, and the team had a great chance in the 24th minute, with Diego shooting from outside the box. The ball flew just wide of Fabio's goal. It was, strictly speaking, the last significant chance of the match. Although Flamengo had more possession of the ball, they were unable to find the back of the net and left with a point at Mineirão. 

The Most Beloved now returns to the field next Wednesday, at 21:45 pm, at Ilha do Urubu, against Palmeiras.