Flamengo defeats Universidad Católica 3-0 and advances to the next stage of the CONMEBOL Libertadores
Willian Arão, Everton Ribeiro and Pedro scored the red-black goals at Maracanã
By Paulo Neto* - in
In the fifth round of the Libertadores group stage, Flamengo beat Universidad Católica 3-0 on Tuesday night (17), at Maracanã. With this result, Mais Querido guarantees qualification for the round of 16 of the tournament and first place in Group H.
The game
The match started tensely, with Flamengo showing a strong desire. Just four minutes in, Everton Ribeiro delivered a spectacular pass to Gabi. The Flamengo striker faced goal but had his shot saved by the opposing goalkeeper. This was Mengão's first offensive move.
It wasn't long before Mais Querido opened the scoring. Arrascaeta headed the ball to Willian Arão from a corner kick, and the duo, who had already connected twice in the last match, were fortunate once again. Arão headed the ball into the corner to make it 1-0.
Despite the early goal, the pace didn't slow down. Ayrton Lucas burst into the box and was heavily challenged, and the referee allowed play to continue. Bruno Henrique then fired over the bar.
Flamengo exchanged passes in the attacking half and dominated the play. Andreas arrived dangerously, exchanged a one-two with Gabi, and shot. The opposing goalkeeper made a good save and sent the ball out for a corner. The defense cleared the shot.
In another beautiful move, Gabi came out of the box and fed Bruno Henrique over the top. The Flamengo striker's header skimmed the crossbar. Arrascaeta was next; the Uruguayan received the ball at the edge of the box, adjusted, and shot. The shot was deflected before reaching the goal, but it was destined.
The Most Beloved worked the ball patiently; and at 38', after a beautiful exchange of passes, Matheuzinho lifted the ball to Bruno Henrique, the Rubro-Negro striker rose and returned the ball to the middle of the area, Everton Ribeiro came in and scored to increase the score at Maracanã: 2-0.
Gabi still had the chance to score the third in the final moments of the first half, but was stopped by a good save from the opposing goalkeeper.
At the start of the second half, the opposing team went on the attack, but the red-black defense resisted and Flamengo soon regained control of the game. Matheuzinho received a beautiful pass from Rodrigo Caio, went down the right flank and crossed low to Gabi, the striker stretched out and almost extended the lead.
In the second half, Flamengo continued to press. Arrascaeta and Pedro had chances inside the penalty area, but the Uruguayan shot wide, and the striker was stopped by the opposing goalkeeper.
Pedro persisted, and in the 44th minute he received the ball in the box, dribbled past his marker twice and finished with great skill to score Flamengo's third goal of the match: 3-0. The beautiful goal from the striker Reverência gave the final numbers to the match.
Next appointment
Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Saturday (21), to face Goiás, at 16:30 pm, at Maracanã. The confrontation is valid for the seventh round of the Brasileirão.
Technical sheet
Flamengo 3 x 0 Universidad Católica – 5th Round of Group H of the Conmebol Libertadores
Location: Maracanã - RJ
Date and time: February 17, 05, at 2022:21 am (Brasília time)
Referee: Jhon Ospina (COL)
Assistants: Dionisio Ruiz (COL) and Richard Ortiz (COL)
Yellow cards: Andreas Pereira (FLA), Matheuzinho (FLA), Willian Arão (FLA), Astrudillo (UCA), Felipe Gutiérrez (UCA) and Tapia (UCA).
Goals: Arão (7' 1st half), Everton Ribeiro (38' 2nd half) and Pedro (44' 2nd half).
Flamengo lineup
Hugo; Matheuzinho (Rodinei), Pablo, Rodrigo Caio and Ayrton Lucas; Willian Arão, Andreas Pereira (João Gomes), Everton Ribeiro and Arrascaeta (Victor Hugo); Bruno Henrique (Lazaro) and Gabi (Pedro).
Coach: Paulo Sousa.
Catholic University Lineup
Pérez; Astudillo (Rebolledo), Paz (Tapia), Asta-Buruaga and Parot; Saavedra, Fuenzalida and Felipe Gutierrez; Valencia, Cuesta and Zampedri.
Coach: Ariel Holan.