Despite dominating the 90 minutes of the game, Flamengo ended up defeated by São Paulo this Wednesday (18) at Maracanã. The opposing goal was scored by former Flamengo player Everton, at the beginning of the second half. The support of the Nation was massive, with 55.986 fans in attendance. Now the focus is on the match against Botafogo, next Saturday, also at Maracanã. Tickets are already on sale at flamengo.com.br/tickets.

Mauricio Barbieri's game plan was to pressure São Paulo from start to finish. They dominated possession and territory, and even with their opponents trying to stall the game with fouls and stalling, the red-and-black team created several opportunities. The first of these came from Everton Ribeiro in the 12th minute, with a shot that Sidão saved.

Even in the first 45 minutes, the Mais Querido threatened with incisive plays. In the best of them, Lucas Paquetá deflected a header onto the crossbar after a corner kick. Halftime ended with the score 0-0. 

In the second half, São Paulo opened the scoring after just three minutes with Everton on the counterattack. From then on, Flamengo relentlessly sought an equalizer, finding space and finishing chances, but their accuracy was not their best, and goalkeeper Sidão made some great saves.

Flamengo ends the round with 27 points, one more than second-placed São Paulo, after 13 rounds of the Brazilian Championship.