Flamengo defeated leaders Palmeiras 2-0 this Sunday at Palestra Itália, reaching 48 points in the Brazilian Championship, closing in on the competition's top four. With a show from Petkovic, who scored both goals, Flamengo moved to just one point behind fourth-place São Paulo. In the next round, the team from Gávea faces Botafogo at Engenhão.

The match began with the home team pressing hard and Flamengo relying on counterattacks. Palmeiras had the first good chance, with Diego Souza heading just wide of Bruno's right post. With strong marking, coach Andrade's team neutralized the team's main weapons.

In the 20th minute, Armero crossed from the left and Robert headed over the bar. Three minutes later, Petkovic played a one-two with Juan, burst into the box, dribbled past two defenders, and fired a shot into the top corner past Marcos: 1-0 Flamengo. A stunning goal. In the 34th minute, Vagner Love dribbled past Maldonado and fired a shot with his left foot. Bruno made a fine save, saving Flamengo.

Flamengo returned for the second half, creating good chances to extend their lead. Always relying on counterattacks, the red-and-black team nearly scored another just three minutes in. Léo Moura received the ball from Adriano, burst into the box, and shot. Marcos came out well and made a fine save. Soon after, Petkovic dribbled past Edmilson and shot dangerously.

In the 16th minute, Petkovic took a corner kick from the left and scored an Olympic goal: 2-0 Flamengo. Flamengo celebrated at Palestra Itália. In the 24th minute, Diego Souza took a free kick from the edge of the box, and Bruno saved it. Seven minutes later, Zé Roberto made a great individual play and shot against Marcos's crossbar.

In the end, Wendel crossed into the box, and referee Sandro Meira Ricci awarded a penalty to Ronaldo Angelim after a high challenge with Ortigoza. Vagner Love sent the shot over Bruno's goal.

MATCH SHEET:\ PALMEIRAS 0 X 2 FLAMENGO\ Stadium: Palestra Itália, São Paulo (SP)\ Date/time: 18/10/09 - 16 (Brasília)\ Referee: Sandro Meira Ricci (DF)\ Assistants: Roberto Braatz (Fifa/PR) and Enio Ferreira de Carvalho (DF)\ Yellow cards: Diego Souza and Edmílson (PAL) Toró, Willians and Ronaldo Angelim (FLA)\

GOALS: Petkovic, 23'/1°T (0-1); Petkovic, 16'/2°T (0-2)

PALMEIRAS: Marcos, Wendel, Danilo, Maurício, Armero; Edmílson, Souza (Marquinhos, 42'/2nd half), Cleiton Xavier and Diego Souza, Robert (Ortigoza, 22'/2nd half) and Vagner Love. Coach: Muricy Ramalho.

FLAMENGO: Bruno, Léo Moura, Airton, Ronaldo Angelim and Juan; Willians, Toró (Fierro, 12'/2nd half), Maldonado and Petkovic (Welinton, 47'/2nd half); Zé Roberto (Lenon, 43'/2nd half) and Adriano. Coach: Andrade.