"This is Flamengo." After November 1, 2017, this phrase was written on all 78.838 seats at the Maracanã. Even those where other fans usually sit. Because falling behind, tying the score, conceding two goals, getting the equalizer, and securing qualification at the end of a derby—with grit, with the jersey, with the mystique—that's Flamengo. The Flamengo that doesn't give up, gives it its all, and fights until the last minute. 

Fluminense scored the first. Diego equalized. Flamengo scored the second, the third. Vizeu pulled one back, and Willian Arão equalized. The 3-3 draw was the result Flamengo needed. The result that ultimately proved to be the final score and the one that secured Flamengo's place. Besides securing a spot, the last Rio derby of 2017 ended, once again, in Flamengo's favor. If a draw isn't a victory, it's qualification. In 19 meetings with their Rio rivals this year, they have won eight, drawn 10, and lost only one. A complete supremacy for the season. 

Reinaldo Rueda turned to Felipe Vizeu up front. The young striker was a terror against the opposing defense, with constant movement and quick passes to Diego and Éverton Ribeiro. It was a fast-paced match, with close plays and typical of a decisive match. 

The first half didn't start well. Just three minutes in, Fluminense opened the scoring through Lucas. The full-back received the ball from Marcos Júnior and fired a well-placed shot past Diego Alves. Flamengo went on the attack and had a string of good moves, particularly from Arão, who shot from outside the box in the fifth minute, but Diego Cavalieri fell to make the save. But it was only a matter of time. And it didn't even take five minutes. With a perfect free kick, Diego sent it into the top corner and tied the game. 

With the two goals, the game cooled down in terms of dangerous plays, but not in terms of atmosphere. Many fouls and tough challenges marked the first half. From a set piece, Fluminense scored their second in the 41st minute. Renato Chaves rose well on a corner kick and scored the goal that gave Fluminense the lead in the half. 

Early in the second half, Fluminense scored their third. Once again, a cross into the box resulted in Renato Chaves rising above the defense to score his second goal of the match. Three minutes later, Diego had a chance to reduce the deficit after a cross from Pará, but the ball was too far ahead, and the number 10 couldn't put enough pressure on it. However, after so much pressure, the goal came. Felipe Vizeu received a great pass from Everton Ribeiro and was one-on-one with the goalkeeper to reduce the deficit. Shortly after, Juan came off injured, making way for Rafael Vaz. 

The fans at Maracanã were fired up. Fluminense began to descend onto the field and do everything they could to run out the clock. Unlucky for them. Vinicius Junior made a spectacular play down the right and was fouled. Pará took the shot, Arão rose and scored to equalize the match in the 39th minute. Suddenly, all the Tricolor players were on their feet. It was time for Flamengo to hold the game and let the clock run out. With the clock approaching All Souls' Day, Diego was almost done, but he felt compelled to do so. The result and the spot were assured, let the next opponent come.