Flamengo draws late with Athletico in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal
Thiago Maia and Pedro scored the goals for Mais Querido in the 2-2 draw this Wednesday, at Arena da Baixada
By Flamengo Communication - in
Flamengo didn't play a great game, but with grit, as the nation loves, they managed a 2-2 draw with Athletico-PR at Arena da Baixada in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals. Next Wednesday, at Maracanã, the two teams face off for a spot in the competition's final. A simple victory puts the Red-Blacks in the final. A draw takes the match to penalties.
The game
Flamengo is rarely intimidated by its home crowd. And that's what was evident in the first half at Arena da Baixada. Despite the pressure from the Paraná team's more than 20 fans, Flamengo took control of the match from the start, passing the ball around Athletico's half, which barely crossed the halfway line.
The Rio goal gradually took shape. In the 12th minute, Michael made a run down the right, shook off three defenders, and sent in a dangerous cross. In the 15th minute, there was no escape. Thiago Maia pounced on a rebound from Gabi's shot and opened the scoring: 1-0.
Those expecting Flamengo to retreat with the lead were surprised by the team's posture, which continued to dominate the game, reaching 62% possession in the first half. Gabi had a chance to increase the lead, and Diego Alves appeared well in the 39th minute, confidently saving Erick's header.
Early in the second half, Léo Pereira's marking blundered, and Pedro Henrique's header equalized the match: 1-1. Flamengo remained undeterred and had two chances to break the deadlock through Thiago Maia and Michael. They failed to capitalize and were punished in the 25th minute, after Renato Kayser won the battle with Léo Pereira to make it 2-1 for Athletico. Renato Gaúcho, who had already replaced Gabi with Pedro, brought on Vitinho and Diego Ribas, taking off Michael and Thiago Maia.
Kennedy came on for Andreas Pereira, but the changes didn't pay off. Pedro had his only chance in the 44th minute. But in the 50th minute, Rodrigo Caio was elbowed inside the Paraná penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty. Pedro converted the penalty and tied the match. More to come next week, this time at the Maracanã!
TECHNICAL SHEET
FLAMENGO: Diego Alves, Isla, Rodrigo Caio, Leo Pereira and Filipe Luis; Willian Arão, Thiago Maia (Diego Ribas) and Andreas Pereira (Kennedy); Everton Ribeiro, Gabi (Pedro) and Michael (Vitinho).
COACH: Renato Gaucho
ATLHETICO: Santos, Pedro Henrique, Thiago Heleno and Nico Hernandez (Lucas); Marcinho, Erick, Léo Citadini (Fernando) and Abner; Nikão, Renato Kayser (Pedro Rocha) and Terans (Jader).
TECHNICAL: Alberto Valentine
LOCATION: Baixada Arena
JUDGE: Luis Flavio de Oliveira
GOALS: First half - Thiago Maia (15'1st half). Second half - Pedro Henrique (3'2nd half), Renato Kayser (25'2nd half) and Pedro (54'2nd half).
YELLOW CARDS: Andreas Pereira, Leo Citadini, Rodrigo Caio, Leo Pereira and Lucas Fasson.