Flamengo defeats Chapecoense on a night of tribute and reunion
Mais Querido counted on goals from Renê and Diego to return to winning ways in the Brasileirão. The number 10 paid tribute to defender Juan, and Berrío returned to the field.
By Flamengo Communication - inOn a thrilling night at Maracanã, Flamengo defeated Chapecoense and returned to winning ways in the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo relied on goals from Renê and Diego to secure a 2-0 victory. After the number 10 scored from the penalty spot, the group made a point of celebrating by wearing a jersey belonging to defender Juan, who suffered a serious injury in the final training session.
The other highlight of the night was Orlando Berrío's return to the pitch. After being sidelined for nearly 11 months due to a serious injury, the Colombian came on in the 34th minute and played a key role in the final stages of the Red-Black victory at the Maracanã.
With the victory over Chapecoense, Flamengo now has 44 points in the Brazilian Championship table. With an eye on the Copa do Brasil, the squad returns to work on Sunday afternoon (9).
Pressure and a great goal from Renê
Needing to get back to winning ways in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo started the match strong and attacked Chapecoense from the opening minutes. Flamengo opted for a more defensive approach, giving Flamengo space to work the ball upfield. Diego's first chance came from a bicycle kick, narrowly missing a stunning goal at the Maracanã.
With all the pressure on the opposing team, the goal came. After a beautiful individual play by Rodinei, the ball fell to Diego. The number 10 passed it to Renê, and the full-back unleashed a first-time shot with his right foot that bulged the net of Jandrei's goal. Before halftime, Diego had two more chances and narrowly missed extending the lead.
Tribute, reunion and three more points on the account
Even with the lead, Mengão didn't give in and continued to corner Chapecoense in their own half. Ten minutes into the second half, Diego took a free kick, and Leandro Pereira handled the ball in the box. The referee awarded a penalty to Flamengo, and Diego once again took responsibility and scored the second goal for the red-and-black team.
In celebration of the second goal of the match, Diego ran to the bench, grabbed one of Juan's shirts and made a point of paying tribute to the defender who suffered a serious injury in the last training session held at Ninho do Urubu.
Saturday night (8) also marked an important reunion. At 34 minutes into the second half, striker Orlando Berrío returned to the pitch after almost 11 months recovering from a serious injury. The number 28 moved well and participated in some offensive plays.
And now?
Flamengo now turns its attention to the Copa do Brasil. The Mais Querido returns to the field next Wednesday (12) to face Corinthians, at 21:45 pm, again at Maracanã. The clash will be the first of the tournament's semifinals.