Flamengo beat Atlético-MG 1-0 at Maracanã, in the thirty-second round of the Brazilian Championship, on Saturday night (15). The result left Rubro-Negro in third place with 55 points, ahead of Corinthians, next Wednesday's opponent (19), in the Copa do Brasil.

Mais Querido secured the three points in the first half, with Everton Cebolinha scoring the only goal of the game with a header.

First time

The first 15 minutes were a whirlwind of activity for Mais Querido, particularly on the wings. With Matheuzinho playing forward in midfield, the natural right-back was a surprise for the opposing defense, who were startled in the fourth minute. The number 4 arrived on his usual flank, won the play, and passed the ball to Victor Hugo, who fired a weak shot. Ayrton Lucas then delivered a perfect cross for Matheuzinho, who ended up missing his header.

Atlético-MG controlled the game with possession and risked shots from outside the box, as the red-and-black defense prevented the visiting attack from getting close to the penalty area. Santos had to work twice: when Nacho was released into the box, hindering the midfielder's finishing move; and after Hulk took a powerful shot from outside the box, which the goalkeeper saved.

Mengão then regained possession and took control of the match. Changing their strategy of exploring the flanks, the players moved to the middle of the box and began taking risks. The first was Marinho, who came in with a dribble, but the ball stopped in the defense. Then, Fabrício Bruno came out of the defense and joined the passing game in attack. The defender played a key role, delivering a perfect cross for Cebolinha to win the ball in the air and head in the opener. In the next play, the number 19 came from left to right, dribbled past one player, and struck powerfully into the corner, nearly scoring the second.

Second time

After halftime, Atlético-MG came back to pressure the Flamengo defense, looking for plays down the right side of the field. However, a poorly-placed clearance resulted in Nacho taking advantage and being stopped by Santos once again. Soon after, in the 15th minute, Hulk put the ball into the box, the defense cleared it, and Ademir managed to stretch and head it into the right corner, but the Flamengo goalkeeper was quick and put it out for a corner. Finally, Dorival Júnior made substitutions that managed to withstand the opponent's offensive momentum, with a more solid defensive posture. 1-0 Flamengo, which remains in the qualifying zone for next year's Copa Libertadores.

Technical sheet

Flamengo 1 x 0 Atlético-MG – Round 32 – Brazilian Championship 2022

Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Date and time: 15/10/2022, at 20:30 pm

Referee: Ramon Abatti Abel (SC), Fabricio Vilarinho da Silva (FIFA) (GO), Thiaggo Americano Labes (SC), Alexandre Vargas Tavares de Jesus (RJ). VAR: Thiago Duarte Peixoto (SP).

Yellow cards: Victor Hugo (FLA), Matheus França (FLA), Fabrício Bruno (FLA).

Flamengo lineup:

Santos; Varela, Fabrício Bruno, Pablo and Ayrton Lucas; João Gomes, Matheuzinho and Victor Hugo (Daniel Cabral); Marinho (Werton), Everton Cebolinha (Igor Jesus) and Matheus França (Matthew).

Coach: Dorival Junior

Atlético-MG lineup:

Everson; Guga (Mariano), Nathan Silva, Alonso and Dodô; Allan, Otávio (Pávon), Zaracho and Nacho (Vargas); Keno (Ademir) and Hulk (Allan Kardec).

Coach: Cuca