With a stunning second-half goal from star Everton Ribeiro, Flamengo defeated Botafogo 1-0 at Nilton Santos Stadium this Saturday, remaining firmly in the top four of the Brazilian Championship. Flamengo is in third place with 42 points, just two behind leaders São Paulo. 

The game 

Flamengo dominated the match from the start. The best chances of the first half fell to the Mais Querido. In the 13th minute, Bruno Henrique received a beautiful pass from Uruguayan De Arrascaeta, struck a well-placed shot, and the ball hit the paint off goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri's post. It was the red-and-black team's best chance. 

In the 26th minute, after a beautiful attack by Mais Querido, Pedro set up a pass and De Arrascaeta fired a shot. Botafogo's defense saved. In the 44th minute, Everton Ribeiro crossed into the box and Forster almost scored an own goal. Cavalieri saved.

In the second half, Mengão continued to press and opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Gerson stole the ball from the black and white defense and passed it to Everton Ribeiro, who slotted it into Cavalieri's corner. A stunning goal: 1-0. 

Even with the goal, the red-and-blacks continued to dominate. At the back, Diego Alves secured the result with a fine save in the final minutes. Kalou took a free kick from the edge of the box, and Diego palmed it away. 

The game saw two red cards, one for each side: first, Victor Luis, and then Gustavo Henrique.

And now?

Mengão returns to the field next Sunday, at 16 pm, to face Santos, at Maracanã, in the 25th round.