Flamengo defeats São Paulo at the Maraca and takes the lead in the Brasileirão

Luiz Araújo and De La Cruz scored for Mengão, who continue with a 100% record in the competition.

By Romulo Paranhos - in 17/04/2024 às 23:36

Photo: Gilvan de Souza / CRF

In their home debut in the Brasileirão, Flamengo did not disappoint the nation and beat São Paulo 2-1, securing their second consecutive victory in the national competition. The duel between the Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo teams was played on Wednesday night (17), at Maracanã. Luiz Araújo and De La Cruz scored the goals for Mengão, who took the lead in the championship with six points.

The game
As usual when playing at home, Flamengo started the match valuing possession. São Paulo, on the other hand, pushed forward to try to win the ball back and launch counterattacks. In the 11th minute, Cebolinha requested a substitution and fell to the field. Luiz Araújo replaced him.

The game started off tensely, with no clear-cut chances on goal. In the 17th minute, Ayrton Lucas fired a shot from outside the box, but the ball went just wide of the post. Two minutes later, Mengão opened the scoring with a beautiful goal! Luiz Araújo received a pass from De La Cruz, shook off his marker, and fired a fine shot into the corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance, making it 1-0 and his fifth goal for the Sacred Mantle.

Flamengo threatened again in the 30th minute. Bruno Henrique made a good run down the left and crossed into the box for Pedro to head over the bar. Flamengo, with the better chances, went into halftime with the advantage.

With more attacking intensity, the Rubro-Negro returned to the second half pressing the São Paulo team. In the seventh minute, Bruno Henrique received the ball on the left, cut inside, and shot powerfully, but Rafael saved.

A minute later, Mengão extended their lead. Ayrton Lucas tried to break into the box, but the ball fell to Pedro, who cut inside his marker and fired a shot into the corner. The goalkeeper rebounded, and De La Cruz tapped the ball into the net, scoring his second goal for the Sacred Mantle: 2-0.

Even with a strong lead, Flamengo didn't give up on the attack and continued to create chances. In the 21st minute, Luiz Araújo took a corner kick into the box, and Fabrício Bruno rose unmarked to head it in. Rafael saved the Tricolor Paulista, sending the ball out for a corner.

At 33', São Paulo reduced the deficit with Ferreira, who appeared in the area to head the ball and make it 2-1 for the São Paulo team. In the final stretch, the Morumbi team went on the attack looking for an equalizer, but Fla knew how to control the action.

In stoppage time, Igor Jesus made a beautiful play and set up Erick Pulgar, who fired a powerful shot that Rafael saved well. And that was it at the Maracanã! Mengão secured their second victory and took the lead in the Brasileirão with six points.

Week's agenda
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Sunday (21) to face Palmeiras, at 16 pm, at Allianz Parque, in a game valid for the third round of the Brasileirão.

Flamengo
Rossi; Varela, Fabricio Bruno, Leo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Erick Pulgar, Allan (Igor Jesus) and De La Cruz (Gerson); Bruno Henrique (Victor Hugo), Everton Cebolinha (Luiz Araújo) and Pedro.
Coach: Tite.

São Paulo
Rafael; Ferraresi (Ferreira), Arboleda and Diego Costa; Igor Vinicius, Pablo Maia (Juan), Alisson, Michel Araújo (Erick) and Welington; Luciano and Calleri (André Silva).
Coach: Thiago Carpini.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 2x1 São Paulo – 2th Round of the Brazilian Championship
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date and time: 17/04/2024 at 21:30 pm
Refereeing: Anderson Daronco (FIFA/RS), Rafael da Silva Alves (FIFA/RS) and Mauricio Coelho Silva Penna (RS)}
Yellow cards: Igor Vinicius (SAO), Michel Araújo (SAO), Luciano (SAO)
Goals: Luiz Araújo (19'1st half), De La Cruz (8'2nd half) and Ferreira (33'2nd half).