In the last round of the Libertadores group stage, Flamengo drew 0-0 with Vélez Sarsfield on Thursday night (27), at Maracanã. With the result, Rubro-Negro finished first in Group G with 12 points.

The game
Flamengo started the match looking to attack, and within just three minutes, they created a dangerous chance against Hoyos' goal. Arrascaeta took a shot from outside the box and hit the post. On the rebound, Gabi couldn't control the ball and the defense cleared it for a corner. In the 13th minute, Diego Alves made a great save after a header from Janson in the six-yard box.

Flamengo tried to control possession in Vélez's midfield, but struggled to create chances due to the strong marking by the Argentinian team. In the 37th minute, Everton Ribeiro made a good run down the right, cut inside and shot. Hoyos parried the ball forward, Gabi took a first-time shot, and the ball went just wide of the post. The first half ended goalless at the Maracanã.

Just two minutes into the second half, Arrascaeta delivered a perfect cross to Gustavo Henrique, who rose high to head the ball. It went just wide of the crossbar. At the 10-minute mark, Pedro received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and fired a low shot towards the corner. The ball went very close to the goalkeeper's right post.

Flamengo continued their search for the first goal, and almost scored through Gustavo Henrique, who, after a cross from Gerson, headed the ball towards the ground, but Hoyos managed to deflect it for a corner. At 27 minutes, Everton Ribeiro made an individual play down the right flank, beat his marker, and placed a shot towards the corner. The Argentinian goalkeeper stretched out to his full extent to prevent the goal.

In the end, the Flamengo team pressured Vélez in their defensive half in search of the winning goal, but the match finished 0-0.

Now, Mais Querido awaits the definition of its opponent in the round of 16 of the Libertadores, which will be known next Tuesday (1), in a draw at the Conmebol headquarters.

Next appointment
Flamengo returns to the field next Sunday (30) to face Palmeiras in the opening match of Brasileirão 2021. The match will be played at 16 pm, at Maracanã.

Flamengo lineup
Diego Alves; Isla, Rodrigo Caio, Gustavo Henrique (Léo Pereira) and Filipe Luís; Diego (Vitinho), Gerson (João Gomes), Everton Ribeiro (Hugo Moura) and Arrascaeta; Gabi and Pedro (Rodrigo Muniz).
Coach: Rogério Ceni.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 0-0 Vélez Sarsfield (Libertadores, Round 6 – Group G)
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date: 27 / 05 / 2021
Referee: Leodan Gonzalez (URU)
Assistants: Richard Trinidad (URU) and Andres Nievas (URU)
Yellow cards: Gerson (FLA), Gustavo Henrique (FLA), Ortega (VEL), Rodrigo Caio (FLA) and Cáseres (FLA)
Red card: Ortega (VEL).