Flamengo began its CONMEBOL Libertadores campaign with a 2-2 home draw against River Plate. Flamengo dominated the entire match, but made two key mistakes that resulted in Argentina's goals. Henrique Dourado, from the penalty spot, and Everton scored for Flamengo, with Rodrigo Mora and Mayada scoring for River, all in the second half. 

Without fans in attendance, the first half was lukewarm. The two teams studied each other closely on the field and created few real chances. Diego and Everton Ribeiro frequently switched positions, but Pará offered little support, worried about Mora's dangerous runs down the left. Flamengo's first chance came in the 25th minute, with Dourado. The number 19 controlled the ball well at the edge of the box and shot hard, but Armani, well-positioned, saved. 

In the 39th minute, the most controversial play of the game. Réver rose high and headed the ball. The ball hit Zuculini's arm, but the referee let play continue, amidst much protest. Five minutes later, Diego Alves made a great save from Mora's shot, and the first half ended shortly thereafter. 

The second half began with Flamengo pressing River and, just six minutes in, were rewarded with a penalty from Ponzio on Diego. Dourado perfectly dodged the ball, displacing Armani, and opening the scoring. Unfortunately, the celebration was short-lived. A minute later, Rodrigo Mora rose higher than the Flamengo defense and headed the ball beyond Diego Alves' reach. In the 16th minute, Carpegiani passed Pará to Rodinei, who, on his first attempt, dangerously ran down the right and crossed, but the ball ended up going faster than Dourado. 

The pressure paid off. In the 21st minute, Paquetá delivered a great pass to Everton, who was free in the box, who turned and fired a shot past the Argentine goalkeeper. Two minutes later, another great chance came. Everton found Paquetá, who flicked the ball back from the byline, but Everton Ribeiro arrived too late to get to the ball.

Just when victory seemed assured, River found a goal. Mayada pounced on a rebound from the box and fired a powerful shot into Diego Alves' corner, sealing the victory. 

Flamengo will now return to the field in the Libertadores on March 14, against Emelec, in Guayaquil.