On Saint Jude Thaddeus' Day, Flamengo struggled, but defeated América-RN 1-0 with a goal from Souza in the 16th minute of the first half. With the away win, the Gávea team reached 52 points, growing steadily and increasing its chances of reaching the Copa Libertadores.

With the majority of Flamengo fans in the Machadão stands, the game started off tough for Flamengo. In the third minute, América-RN striker Wesley unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box, hitting the left post of Bruno's goal. The move energized the team, and Fábio Luciano nearly opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Léo Moura crossed into the box, and the defender headed dangerously.

Four minutes later, Flamengo scored. In a beautiful play, Maxi passed to Léo Moura on the right wing, the full-back crossed back, and Souza finished for the goal, scoring his fifth goal of the Brazilian Championship.

After opening the scoring, Flamengo relaxed, passing the ball around, and the team from Natal began to threaten the red-and-black goal. In the 31st minute, Wesley hit Bruno's post again. The goalkeeper was having a great game and, at the end of the first half, saved another shot from Geovane.

In the second half, América-RN continued to attack, with Souza and Berg both missing opportunities for the team from Rio Grande do Norte. Coach Joel Santana decided to make a change, bringing on Obina for Maxi. The center forward missed an incredible chance in the 17th minute, with a header that went just wide of the goal.

With the game open, chances appeared for both teams and, in the 30th minute, Sérvulo, goalkeeper for América-RN, made a great save on a point-blank header from Souza.

Joel made two more changes, bringing on Léo Medeiros for Toró and Roger for de Souza. In the 38th minute, Roger delivered a great pass to Obina, but the striker missed the chance, trying to dribble past the opposing goalkeeper.

Flamengo played the ball and waited for the referee's whistle to celebrate their fourth consecutive victory and their increasingly greater chances of securing a spot in South America's biggest competition.\ MATCH DATA:\ AMÉRICA-RN 0 x 1 FLAMENGO\ Stadium: Machadão, Natal (RN)\ Attendance/Income: not available\ Date/Time: 28/10/2007 - 16:16 p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Leonardo Gaciba da Silva (Fifa-RS)\ Assistants: Elias Silva Almeida (PB) and Carlos Lustosa Filho (PI)\ Yellow Cards: Reinaldo, Joellan, Rogélio and Wesley Brasília (AME)\ Goal: Souza, 1'/0st half (1-29)\ AMÉRICA-RN: Sérvulo, Carlos Eduardo, Rogélio and Robson; Coach: Joel Santana.