Victory with red-black DNA! In Filipe Luís' debut as coach, Flamengo showed intensity and defeated Corinthians 1-0 on Wednesday night (2), at Maracanã, taking the lead in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. Alex Sandro scored the goal that sealed the victory for Mengão, who will have the advantage of a draw in the second leg to guarantee a place in the final of the competition.  

The game
Flamengo started the match by pushing hard to open the scoring. On their first big chance, De La Cruz won the ball back, and Arrascaeta fired a first-time shot that Hugo Souza saved well. Flamengo pressed Corinthians's ball out and quickly regained possession.

In the 10th minute, Wesley recovered the ball, took it to the byline, and crossed into the six-yard box. Arrascaeta managed to find the back of the net, but the assistant referee pointed out that the ball had gone out of bounds. With control of possession, the Mais Querido (Most Beloved) were attacking forcefully. In the 17th minute, Pulgar stole the ball and passed it to Arrascaeta, who shot firmly, but Hugo made the save. On the rebound, the Uruguayan tried to chip it over the bar, but the ball went wide.

With quick, short passes, the Rubro-Negro frequently attacked. In the 30th minute, Alex Sandro crossed into the box and Gabi tried a backheel, but the goalkeeper saved. And in the very next play, Mengão opened the scoring! After stealing the ball in the defensive half, De La Cruz passed to Bruno Henrique on the left. The striker saw Alex Sandro pass free and tapped it in. The full-back threatened to cross and fired a shot straight into the Maracanã net: 1-0.

With the advantage, the red-and-black team continued to attack, looking to extend their lead. In the 38th minute, De La Cruz delivered a perfect cross for Gerson to volley in. The ball flew just wide of the goal. The first half ended with the red-and-black team completely dominating, creating several scoring opportunities with intense intensity.

After the break, Flamengo continued to display the same intensity seen in the first half. In the fifth minute, Arrascaeta took a free kick into the box, Léo Ortiz headed it in, and Hugo Souza made another good save. Corinthians then threatened Rossi's goal with a Romero shot that hit the post.

In the 12th minute, the Mais Querido had another good opportunity through Bruno Henrique. Arrascaeta took a free kick into the box, and the striker headed it against the crossbar. On another free kick, from the edge of the box, De La Cruz sent it straight in, and the ball once again hit the crossbar.

With precise touches near the box, the red-and-black team created another great play in the 17th minute. Arrascaeta delivered a beautiful pass to Gerson, who came one-on-one with the goalkeeper and fired a powerful shot. Hugo Souza, once again, saved Corinthians. He was the São Paulo team's biggest name on the field.

Mengão scored the second goal through Gabi in the 26th minute, but after a VAR review, the referee ruled the striker offside. In the closing stages, Corinthians began to pose more of a threat to Rossi's goal. This was because the red-and-black team was already showing signs of physical exhaustion due to the intense play throughout the match.

In stoppage time, Alcaraz made a run down the middle, made it to the edge of the box, and ended up shooting over the goal. The game ended at the Maracanã Stadium with a victory for Mengão, who once again played strong, intense football, the way the nation loves to see and which is in the red-and-black DNA.

Week's agenda
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Saturday (5) to face Bahia, at 19 pm, at Arena Fonte Nova, for the 29th round of the Brasileirão.

Flamengo
Rossi; Wesley, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira and Alex Sandro (Ayrton Lucas); Erick Pulgar, De La Cruz (Matheus Gonçalves), Gerson and Arrascaeta (Alcaraz); Bruno Henrique (Michael) and Gabi (Plata).
Coach: Filipe Luís.

Corinthians
Hugo Souza; Fagner (Matheuzinho), Felix Torres, André Ramalho and Hugo; Ryan (Gustavo Henrique), Charles (Carrilo), Igor Coronado (José Martinez) and Garro; Héctor Hernández (Yuri Alberto) and Romero.
Coach: Ramon Diaz.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 1x0 Corinthians – First leg of the Copa do Brasil Semifinals
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date and time: 02/10/2024 at 21:45 am
Refereeing: Wilton Pereira Sampaio (FIFA/GO), Bruno Raphael Pires (FIFA/GO) and Bruno Boschilia (FIFA/PR)
Yellow cards: Romero (COR), Léo Ortiz (FLA), Wesley (FLA), Erick Pulgar (FLA), Hugo (COR), Gabi (FLA) and José Martínez (COR)
Goal: Alex Sandro (31'1st half).