Opening the second round of the Campeonato Carioca, Leandro Damião led Flamengo to a 5-1 victory over Portuguesa on Saturday night (11). The center forward was responsible for three of the five goals scored by Mais Querido in the match in a collective performance that was eye-catching.

Quick passing dictated the pace of the attack during the first half. Dominating possession, Zé Ricardo's men worked mostly in the opponent's defensive half, moving the ball with precision and precision. It was from one of these plays that the corner kick resulted in the first goal of the night for the red-and-blacks.

In the 19th minute of the first half, Gabriel sent a short corner to Matheus Sávio and received the ball back to deliver a cross that found Felipe Vizeu inside the penalty area. Well-marked by defenders, the young striker struggled to control the ball. However, the ball fell to Juan at the edge of the box, and the captain back-heeled the ball to Leandro Damião, who turned masterfully to open the scoring at Raulino de Oliveira.

After the technical timeout, the Mais Querido returned to the match with the same purpose. At high pressure, the players continued to press Portuguesa, and in the 31st minute, Damião extended the lead with a header, turning in a spectacular cross from Rodinei.

The opponent still managed to pull one back through Marcão, but the night truly belonged to the number 18. In a quick response to the goal conceded, Damião showed that, in addition to his eye for goal, persistence is another of his strengths. Vizeu's powerful header was saved by goalkeeper Luciano, but the night's top scorer was there to fight for the rebound and score his third.

The night still had space for a moment that the Nation: the idol's goal.

From another short corner kick, Gabriel passed to Matheus Sávio. With his left foot, the midfielder crossed the ball precisely to the head of captain Juan, who rose above the opposing defenders and scored the goal that sealed the rout.

In the final play of the match, a perfectly taken free kick by Lucas Paquetá, the match ended with five goals and a strong debut.

Next week, the time will be to turn our attention back to the Conmebol Libertadores Bridgestone. This Wednesday (15), the challenge for the group stage of the most important competition on the continent will be against Universidad Católica, in Chile, with the ball rolling from 21:45 pm.