Flamengo was defeated by Fluminense at Arena Pantanal this Saturday afternoon, 4-0, in the second round of the 2018 Rio Cup. Playing with a mixed lineup—with their Libertadores debut next Wednesday in mind—the Rubro-Negro conceded an early goal and struggled to find their footing for the rest of the match. The opponent was superior, ending Flamengo's long unbeaten streak in the Campeonato Carioca.

Now, Mais Querido turns its attention to February 28th, when it will host River Plate at the Nilton Santos stadium, for the South American competition. 

The game didn't start well at Arena Pantanal. Just two minutes in, Marcos Júnior received a free kick in the box and opened the scoring for Fluminense. Flamengo was unfazed and pushed forward. Three minutes later, Marlos took a chance and hit the post, nearly tying the match. Flamengo had more control of the field but couldn't find the Tricolor goal. Fluminense extended their lead, scoring their second goal in the 17th minute with Pedro, from a corner kick. Flamengo went in search of an equalizer, and shortly after the timeout, Vinicius Junior had a great chance with a shot from outside the box, but the ball went too high. And before the end of the first half, their third goal, by Gilberto.

Flamengo had the first chance of the second half, with a beautiful shot from Ronaldo that was saved by Julio Cesar in the sixth minute. The team returned to the field with Jean Lucas and Geuvânio replacing Rômulo and Marlos, respectively. But in the 10th minute, another blow came. Marcos Júnior scored his second goal, Fluminense's fourth. The game then remained at a slow pace. Flamengo tried to attack but was unsuccessful. Time passed, and the result was already sealed.