All equal in the first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana final. Playing away from home, Flamengo drew 2-2 with Independiente del Valle on Wednesday night (20), in Ecuador. The red-black goals in the match were scored by Bruno Henrique and Pedro, who came on in the second half. The return leg will be held on the 26th, at 21:30 pm, at Maracanã.

The game
The match started fairly evenly, with both teams studying each other. Del Valle kept the ball in Flamengo's midfield and tried to create chances. In the 19th minute, the Ecuadorians opened the scoring. After Sanchez was fouled on the edge of the box, Murillo stepped up to take the shot and found the top corner of Diego Alves's net: 1-0. In the 26th minute, after a beautiful pass from Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique advanced into the box, dribbled past the goalkeeper, and scored. The linesman flagged for offside, which was confirmed by VAR. As the game progressed, Flamengo began to pass the ball from foot to foot and created danger on a few occasions. But the first half ended with the home team ahead.

Flamengo returned for the second half trying to stay in the attacking half longer, valuing possession. In the 21st minute, Mengão equalized. Arrascaeta controlled the ball and found Bruno Henrique on the left. The Flamengo striker took the lead, beat his marker at will, and tapped it past Pinos to score: 1-1. After the equalizer, the number 27 left the field injured. In the 40th minute, Flamengo turned the game around! Vitinho advanced down the left and crossed into the box. Everton Ribeiro controlled the ball on the other side, turned skillfully, and crossed for Pedro to tap into the back of the net: 2-1. In the 45th minute, Del Valle equalized again, with Pellerano taking a penalty. The match ended all square at 2-2.

And now?
Mengão returns to the field next Saturday (22), at 18 pm, to face Boavista in the final of the Guanabara Cup, at Maracanã.

Flamengo lineup
Diego Alves, Rafinha, Rodrigo Caio (Thuler), Gustavo Henrique, Filipe Luis; Willian Arão, Gerson, De Arrascaeta, Everton Ribeiro, Diego (Vitinho); Bruno Henrique (Pedro).