It was the last game of 2018 and the Nation answered the call. More than 60 Flamengo fans went to the Maracanã to say goodbye to their team, but the result was not as expected. The team ended up being defeated by Atlético Paranaense 2-1 and ended its participation in the Brazilian Championship. The goals were scored by Rhodolfo, at 22 minutes of the first half, and Rossetto and Rony for Atlético, at 19 and 22 minutes of the second half. The game also marked Lucas Paquetá's farewell from the team. The attacking midfielder played 96 games for Flamengo, scoring 18 goals, and will be moving to Italian football starting in January. 

The game

The first half of the match offered little excitement. Atlético Paranaense came with a strategy of resting players, aiming for the Copa Sudamericana final. Flamengo wanted to give a fitting farewell to the more than 60 Flamengo fans who packed the Maracanã, but they found an opponent that was defensively solid and secure in their own half.

Not wanting to go on the attack, Atlético held onto the ball and even had more possession in the first half, but ended up paying for it. Looking to attack down the wings, Flamengo won more corners and that's exactly how they scored. In the 22nd minute, Diego took the corner, Rhodolfo rose high and headed it in to open the scoring at the Maracanã and score his third goal in the Flamengo jersey.

The game slowed down again, but Flamengo had all the best chances. In the 40th minute, Paquetá played a one-two with Renê, who crossed well to Uribe, but the defense cleared seconds before the ball reached the striker, preventing the second goal. Two minutes later, Everton Ribeiro received the ball unmarked inside the area and was about to score a beautiful goal, but goalkeeper Felipe tipped it away with his fingertips, keeping the score at 1-0.

The second half didn't start as Flamengo wanted. Atlético came back stronger and turned the game around in two plays at the 19th and 25th minutes, changing the course of the match. Flamengo tried to respond, but couldn't penetrate Atlético's defense and suffered defeat in their final game of the competition. The team now goes on vacation and returns to work in January for the Florida Cup.