In a match valid for the last round of the Taça Rio, Flamengo beat Boavista 2-0 on Wednesday night (01) at Maracanã. With goals from Pedro and Gerson, the Mais Querido secured first place in the overall classification of the Campeonato Carioca and advanced to the semifinals of the competition. FlaTV broadcast the match exclusively for all of Brazil.

O JOGO
Flamengo started the match exchanging passes in midfield, trying to find space in Boavista's defense. The first dangerous play came in the 9th minute. Rafinha was released on the byline, chipped the ball over his marker, and passed it to Everton Ribeiro. The number 7 shot hard, and Kléver made a great save. In the 19th minute, Gerson passed the ball to Rodrigo Caio, who headed it for Léo Pereira to chip over the goalkeeper. Defender Douglas Pedroso jumped in to prevent the goal.

After so much persistence, Mengão opened the scoring in the 35th minute. Rafinha crossed from the right, Arrascaeta adjusted the ball, which deflected off Gerson and fell to Pedro, who tapped it past the goalkeeper: 1-0. The first half ended with Rubro-Negro in the lead.

Mengão returned with the same rhythm as the first half and immediately created a threat. In the second minute, Michael made an excellent run down the right and sent in a low cross. The ball sailed into the six-yard box, and Pedro nearly deflected it. In the fifth minute, Flamengo extended their lead. Michael received the ball on the left and passed it to Gerson, who unleashed a powerful shot. The ball went into the top corner, leaving Kléver with no chance: 2-5. After the second half, Flamengo continued to press their opponents and created several opportunities to score the third. Late in the match, Michael burst into the box and shot straight at the goalkeeper.

AND NOW?
Flamengo returns to the field next Sunday (05) to face the semifinal of the Taça Rio. Rubro-Negro will play with the advantage of a draw for having qualified first in Group A.

FLAMENGO LINEUP
Diego Alves, Rafinha, Rodrigo Caio, Leo Pereira, Filipe Luis; Willian Arão (Thiago Maia), Gerson (Diego), Everton Ribeiro (Michael), De Arrascaeta (Pedro Rocha), Bruno Henrique; Pedro (Vitinho).