Flamengo put on a strong performance, defeating Náutico 2-0 this Sunday at Estádio dos Aflitos in a match valid for the 35th round of the Brazilian Championship. With the result, the red-and-black team reached 60 points and moved into second place in the competition, two points behind leaders São Paulo. Petkovic and Adriano scored the goals that put the Gávea team in contention for the sixth title with three rounds remaining. Next Sunday, coach Andrade's team faces Goiás at Maracanã.

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On the day of its 114th anniversary, Flamengo dominated the field and dominated the match. Náutico started the match better and created the first chances through Carlinhos Bala and Bruno Mineiro, but it was Flamengo who really threatened. Playing on the counterattack, Andrade's team relied on the attacking trio of Petkovic, Zé Roberto, and Adriano. In the 16th minute, Flamengo received the ball in the box, passed it to Léo Moura, who unleashed a powerful shot. Petkovic scored on the rebound, scoring his eighth goal in the Brazilian Championship: 1-0 Flamengo.

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In the 20th minute, Carlinhos Bala received the ball in the penalty area and nearly equalized for the Pernambuco team. In the 34th minute, an inspired Adriano forced a good save from Gledson on a cross-shot. Late in the first half, Zé Roberto received the ball from Léo Moura on the right wing and crossed for Adriano to tap in: 2-0 Flamengo.

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In the fight against relegation, Náutico returned for the second half determined to close the gap. In the third minute, Irênio took a shot from the edge of the box, but Bruno made a fine save. Flamengo responded soon after, with Léo Moura shooting, but Gledson saved.

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At 14, in a beautiful counterattack, Adriano left Zé Roberto face-to-face with Gledson, but the number 26's shot went over the goal.

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With victory assured, the red-black team played the ball and managed to hold Naútico until the end of the match, guaranteeing another three points for Flamengo in the fight for the sixth title and a place in the 2009 Libertadores.

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CREDITS:
NAUTICO 0 X 2 FLAMENGO

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Stadium: Aflitos, Pernambuco (PE)
Date/time: 11/15/09 - 5:00 PM (Brasília)
Referee: Sandro Meira Ricci (PE)
Assistants: Altemir Hausmann (RS/Fifa) and Alessandro Álvaro de Matos (BA/Fifa)
Yellow cards: Asprilla, Cláudio Luiz, Nilson and Irênio (NAU) Léo Moura and David (FLA)
Red cards: -

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GOALS: Petkovic, 16'/1st half (0-1); Adriano, 46'/1st half (0-2)

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NAUTICO: Gledson, Vagner, Asprilla (Juliano, half-time) and Cláudio Luiz; Patrick, Nilton, Ailton (Anderson Lessa, 15'/2nd half), Michel and Irênio (Tuta, 22'/2nd half); Carlinhos Bala and Bruno Marinho. Coach: Geninho.

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FLAMENGO: Bruno, Léo Moura, Álvaro, David and Ronaldo Angelim; Aírton, Toró, Willians (Lenon, 20'/2nd half) and Petkovic (Bruno Mezenga, 36'/2nd half); Ze Roberto (Welinton, 46'/2nd half) and Adriano. Coach: Andrade.

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