After five consecutive wins, Flamengo struggled, losing 3-1 to Cruzeiro at Mineirão Stadium. The loss dropped them to fourth place, remaining in the group that qualifies for the Copa Libertadores. In the next round of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo hosts Santos on Sunday (November 11) at Maracanã Stadium.

On the field, the team failed to replicate their recent strong performances. Cruzeiro quickly took control of the game and, ten minutes in, created their first real threat. Jonathan attempted a cross into the box, but the ball curled, hitting goalkeeper Bruno's post. Three minutes later, striker Roni nearly scored with a low shot that sailed just wide of the post.

Flamengo couldn't get the ball under control, and in the 25th minute, Juan brought down Roni in the box. The striker fired the ball into Bruno's left corner, making it 1-0 for Cruzeiro. The home team again threatened in the 28th and 36th minutes, again through Roni and Guilherme.

The red-and-black team couldn't reach the opposing goal, and Obina and Maxi, the attacking duo, hadn't kicked a single ball at Cruzeiro's goal.

Late in the first half, Cruzeiro doubled their lead. Full-back Jonathan crossed for Roni to fire home, making it 2-0. Flamengo had their first chance in the 41st minute, with defender Thiago Sales heading over the bar.

At halftime, coach Joel Santana decided to change the lineup, bringing on Roger and Renato Augusto and taking off Juan and Maxi. With the change, Toró moved to left-back.

The changes paid off, and Flamengo managed to create the first chances, thanks to midfielder Renato Augusto. Just when the first goal for Flamengo seemed imminent, Cruzeiro made it 3-0 with a shot from outside the box by Charles.

The Gávea team threatened again with a header from Ibson, which Fábio made a fine save. In the 21st minute, Roger took a skillful free kick from the edge of the box, reducing the score to 3-1.

Flamengo still tried to react, but it was too late. With the referee's final whistle, the Club dropped to fourth place, and against Santos, Sunday (11/11), at Maracanã, hopes to find victory again to remain in the group of those who qualified for the 2008 Libertadores.

MATCH SHEET:\ CRUZEIRO 3 X 1 FLAMENGO\ Stadium: Mineirão, Minas Gerais (BH)\ Date/time: 03/11/2007 - 16:26 p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Héber Roberto Lopes (Fifa-PR)\ Assistants: Ednilson Corona (Fifa-SP) and Emerson Augusto de Carvalho (SP)\ Income/attendance: not disclosed\ Yellow cards: Emerson (CRU); Juan, Roger (FLA)\ Red cards: None\ GOALS: Roni, 1'/38st half and 1'/2st half (0-12); Charles, 2'/3nd half (0-21); Roger - 2'/3nd half (1-25)\ CRUZEIRO: Fábio, Mariano, Emerson, Léo Fortunato; Jonathan, Ramires, Charles, Luis Alberto and Wágner (Kerlon - 2'/27nd half); Guilherme (Alecsandro - 2'/43nd half) and Roni (Marcinho - 2'/24nd half) - Coach: Dorival Júnior.\ FLAMENGO: Bruno, Léo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Thiago Sales and Juan (Roger - half-time); Jaílton, Cristian (Leo Medeiros - 2'/XNUMXnd half), Ibson and Toró; Maxi (Renato Augusto - half-time) and Obina - Coach: Joel Santana.\