In a thrilling derby, Flamengo outplayed Fluminense and defeated them 1-0 this Sunday at the Maracanã. Juan scored the first-half goal that put the red-and-black team in the Taça Rio final against Botafogo. To continue its fight for another three-time state championship, the fifth in its history, the team from Gávea will need to win the Taça Rio final next Sunday at 16 p.m. at the Maracanã.

Playing with determination, Flamengo dominated the match from the start. Flamengo's first good chance came just three minutes in. Juan made a good run down the left and crossed for Léo Moura, who headed the ball over Fernando Henrique's goal. Kleberson and Ibson had a great afternoon, driving Flamengo's play.

In the 14th minute, Léo Moura lifted the ball into the box, and Ibson headed it in. Fernando Henrique jumped and made a good save, saving Fluminense. Giving their opponent no chance, Flamengo opened the scoring in the 31st minute. Juan tried a shot from the edge of the box, but Fernando Henrique accepted: 1-0 Flamengo, and celebrations in the stands.

Fluminense responded in the 40th minute, with Thiago Neves' free kick hitting the crossbar. Late in the first half, Fluminense had a chance to extend their lead, but Josiel missed an incredible opportunity in the six-yard box.

Flamengo returned for the second half with the same momentum and soon had their first chances through Ibson and Zé Roberto. In the ninth minute, Juan took a free kick from the right, and Fernando Henrique palmed it out to the goal line. A minute later, Cuca brought on Emerson for Josiel.

With the advantage, the red-and-blacks began to pace the game more and exploit counterattacks. The red-and-black defense was solid and gave the team from Laranjeiras no space. In the 19th minute, Zé Roberto received the ball from Juan, burst into the penalty area, and shot. Fernando Henrique cleared it for a corner.

Cuca made another change to the lineup, starting Welinton in place of Airton and Everton in place of Zé Roberto. The red-and-black team played the ball and waited for the final whistle to celebrate their spot in the Taça Rio final.

FLAMENGO 1 X 0 FLUMINENSE

Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/Time: 12/4/2009 - 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Marcelo de Lima Henrique (RJ)\ Assistants: Hilton Moutinho Rodrigues (RJ) and Marco Aurélio dos Santos Pessanha (RJ)\ Revenue/attendance: R$ 1.245.363,00 /68.613 paying spectators and 72.030 present\ Yellow cards: Willians, Juan (FLA); Fred, Everton Santos, Mariano, Wellington Monteiro, Leandro, Jaílton (FLU)\ Red cards: None.\ GOALS: Juan, 31'/1st half (1-0)\

FLAMENGO: Diego, Aírton (Welinton, 26'/2nd half), Fábio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim; Leo Moura, Willians, Ibson, Kleberson and Juan; Josiel (Emerson, 11'/2nd half) and Ze Roberto (Éverton, 32'/2nd half). Coach: Cuca.

FLUMINENSE: Fernando Henrique, Mariano (Alan, 24'/2nd half), Luiz Alberto, Edcarlos and Leandro; Jailton, Wellington Monteiro (Marquinho, half-time), Conca and Thiago Neves; Everton Santos (Maicon, 17'/2nd half) and Fred. Coach: Parreira