On Sunday afternoon (5), Flamengo and Fluminense faced off in the final of the Taça Guanabara, at Engenhão. In regular time, the match ended in a 3-3 draw. In the penalty shootout, the opponent prevailed with a score of 4-2.
Hectic first half
Flamengo started the match dominating the field, particularly with Pará's attacks down the right, and the opening moments of the derby were full of excitement: in the fifth minute, on a counterattack, Fluminense opened the scoring, but the Tricolor didn't count on William Arão's opportunism, who only had to push the ball into the goal inches from the goal line: all was equal once again. After the red-and-black equalizer, Fluminense had few chances while Flamengo pressed the ball out strongly and had the best chances through Mancuello and Guerrero. In the 16th minute, the Tricolor had a great opportunity to turn the game around, with an indirect free kick very close to Muralha's goal, but the ball hit Pará's shoulder.
Mengão only needed ten more minutes to break the tie and take the lead at Engenhão: after a cross from Pará, Guerrero headed the ball as expected and forced Júlio César to palm it into the box; on the rebound, Éverton, also with a header, didn't think twice before stuffing the net.
In the 34th minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Fluminense, and Henrique Dourado converted, leveling the score once again. Fluminense threatened with a cross-shot from Trauco, but Fluminense regained the lead with Lucas in the closing stages of the first half.
Draw at the end and defeat on penalties
For the second half, Zé Ricardo relied on Gabriel's speed and sent him on in place of Mancuello in the 14th minute. The number 17 played a solid exchange of passes with Pará. Colombian Berrío then filled the gap, replacing Arão. The final change was Vizeu for Trauco. The substitutions increased Flamengo's pace and attacking play, and the equalizer came from a set piece. Guerrero, who had been practicing for some time in training, perfectly delivered a free kick from the edge of the box to make it 3-3, but Fluminense won 4-2 from the penalty spot.
Next appointment
Rubro-Negro returns to the field this Wednesday (8), for the CONMEBOL Libertadores Bridgestone. The team debuts in the competition against San Lorenzo-ARG, at 21:45 pm, at Maracanã. Ticket information at www.flamengo.com.br/ingressos.