A great performance from the attacking trio marked Flamengo's 4-1 victory over Americano on Sunday afternoon at the Maracanã. In the first round of the Taça Rio, the Rubro-Negro did their job, imposing themselves on their opponent and securing the win in the second half, with Gabriel Barbosa scoring his first goal in the sacred jersey. Vitinho, scoring twice, and Diego completed the scoring, with Espinho scoring for Americano. Flamengo now faces Portuguesa on Thursday at 21 pm in Volta Redonda, before their debut against San José in Oruro for the Copa Libertadores on March 03rd. 

More than 25 fans were at the Maracanã and cheered Vitinho's goal in the very first minute of the game, after a great cross from Pará. The teams hadn't even properly positioned themselves on the field when Flamengo opened the scoring. And the pressure continued, but the ball wouldn't go in. With many chances and pressing the opponent in their own half, Abel Braga's team was rarely threatened. And they almost extended their lead, with good opportunities missed by Willian Arão, who headed powerfully against the crossbar, and Diego, who received the ball unmarked but got tangled up when trying to finish. 

Vitinho was the team's main offensive weapon, practically orchestrating all dangerous plays down the left flank. And it was with him, three minutes into the second half, that Flamengo extended their lead. A perfect cross from Para, Gabigol almost scored with a backheel, and the ball fell to Vitinho to make it 2-0. Three minutes later, the number 9 received a sweet pass from Arrascaeta and shot with power and anger to score his first goal for Flamengo. In celebration, he ran to embrace the fans and became emotional. 

With complete control of the match, Flamengo passed the ball around and let the time run out. But they were punished with a beautiful goal by Espinho in the 37th minute. The goal served as a warning to the team, who soon after scored another. Berrío went down the right and crossed for Diego, who this time didn't let the ball get past him and sealed the victory. Then it was just a matter of celebrating and waiting for the time to pass.