Two-time champion! In the last round of the Guanabara Cup, Mengão beat Volta Redonda 2-1 this Saturday (24), at Maracanã, and won their 23rd title in the competition. The Rubro-Negro's goals were scored by Michael and Vitinho.

The game
Flamengo started the first half by attacking Volta Redonda and pressing the ball out. Flamengo spent much more time in possession and exchanged passes in their attacking half to find space in the opposing defense. In the 17th minute, Vitinho took a free kick straight at goal, and the ball sailed over the crossbar.

The game was played entirely on the left flank, with Michael wide open, but Volta Redonda closed down well. In the 37th minute, Gabi received the ball at the edge of the box, adjusted, and fired a powerful shot over the goal. The number 9 then controlled the ball inside the box and spun, shooting into the goalkeeper's left corner. The ball went just wide of the post.

At the very end of the first half, Mengão took the lead! Gustavo Henrique provided a sweet pass to Michael in the box, the striker controlled it and finished past the goalkeeper: 1-0. Soon after, Volta Redonda managed to equalize in stoppage time with Bruno Barra: 1-1.

The Mais Querido (Most Beloved) returned to the second half pressing the opposition. In the eighth minute, Gabigol received a beautiful pass from Vitinho and shot hard, but Andrey made a good save. In the 16th minute, Mengão scored the second! Matheuzinho passed the ball to Vitinho at the edge of the box, and the striker hit a beautiful shot into the goalkeeper's corner: 2-1.

Coach Rogério Ceni made changes to his lineup, bringing in Bruno Henrique, Diego, and Arrascaeta, giving the team more technical quality. In the final minutes, the Mais Querido managed the result and left the field with the victory, securing their 23rd Taça Guanabara title.

Next appointment
Flamengo returns to the field next Tuesday (27) to face Unión La Calera, at 19 pm, at Maracanã, in the second round of the Libertadores group stage.

Flamengo lineup
Diego Alves; Matheuzinho, Gustavo Henrique, Bruno Viana and Renê; Willian Arão, Gerson (Diego), Vitinho (Arrascaeta) and Michael (Everton Ribeiro); Pedro (Rodrigo Muniz) and Gabi (Bruno Henrique).
Coach: Rogério Ceni