Determination in pursuit of the set goal. Dedication and unity to keep the gears turning. Talent in the decisive moment. With the combination of these attributes, the Mais Querido defeated Junior Barranquilla 1-0 away from home and secured a spot in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana final. Felipe Vizeu scored the goal that secured the red-and-blacks' qualification, finishing with precision after a beautiful run down the left.
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The opening period was marked by even play. At home, and given the negative result in the first leg, the Colombian team pressed forward in search of the first goal during the first 15 minutes. Back on the field wearing the Sacred Mantle, goalkeeper César made a crucial save on a free kick. Chará passed the ball to Mier, who unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box. With a crowd in his sights, the number 24 palmed it away, clearing the danger.
A strong defensive performance prevented the opponent from scoring, which gave the rest of the team greater peace of mind. By keeping the ball on the ground and exchanging more passes, the Rubro-Negro began to gain opportunities, with the best chance coming from Vizeu's shot after a precise cross from Paquetá.
While the score remained level in the first half, the final 45 minutes were a different story. Just five minutes into the second half, Vizeu played a one-two with Trauco on the left flank, and with plenty of space ahead, he used his speed to beat the Colombian defense. One-on-one with the goalkeeper, he displayed the skill of a veteran and finished perfectly. 5-1 to Flamengo.
Fate would still have two other great moments in store...
In a confusing play in the red-and-black penalty area, the referee pointed to the spot and awarded a penalty by Willian Arão on Barrera. The opposing team's standout striker, Chará, took the shot. However, César wasn't expected to be involved. The goalkeeper waited until the last second and pounced on the ball to prevent the Colombian team from equalizing. Huge!
There was still time for the goal that would seal the qualification once and for all. With a quick free kick on the right, Diego passed to Rodinei, who sprinted, left his marker behind, and crossed to Vizeu. The destined center forward made his mark once again and ran for the hug.
Qualification secured with a heroic victory.
In the final, the Mais Querido will face Independiente. The first match will be played in Avellaneda, located in the greater Buenos Aires area, on December 6th. The decisive match will take place on the red-and-blacks' home turf, at the Maracanã stadium, on December 13th. With the support of the Biggest Fanbase in the World, we will go together in pursuit of the title.
Want to make a difference in Flamengo's Olympic sports and keep it growing stronger? Contribute, become a Guardian Angel. Visit http://flamengo.com.br/anjodaguarda to learn how.
Want to make a difference in Flamengo's Olympic sports and keep it growing stronger? Contribute, become a Guardian Angel. Visit http://flamengo.com.br/anjodaguarda to learn how.