Flamengo visits América-MG with its sights set on leading the Brasileirão
Mais Querido goes to Belo Horizonte in search of three more points in the national competition
By Flamengo Communication - in
With their sights set on the top spot in the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo faces another challenge away from home in the national competition. Their opponent is América-MG, and the match will kick off this Sunday (26), at 16 pm, at the Independência stadium. Mauricio Barbieri's team is coming off a positive result against Vitória.
The game against América-MG will be the first of two in a row that Rubro-Negro will play in Belo Horizonte. Next Wednesday (29), Flamengo will return to play in Minas Gerais, but against Cruzeiro and in a game valid for the round of 16 of the Conmebol Libertadores.
In third place with 40 points, Flamengo is looking for another win to stay atop the table and reclaim the lead in the competition. América-MG is in 10th place with 25 points from 20 matches played so far.
With the word: Diego Alves!
Flamengo debuted with a victory in the second half of the Brazilian Championship and aims to maintain its 100% record this Sunday. Goalkeeper Diego Alves spoke to reporters at a press conference held last Friday at the training center and discussed the difficulties of the second half.
"The goal is to reach the final stretch of the championship, leading the way, with the title in the cards. Every team wants to win, and the second half is a different championship, with the teams already formed. The teams are set, and the margin of error is very small. We emphasize that it would be game by game, and we know that the Brazilian Championship demands a lot."
Posts
Coach Mauricio Barbieri named the following players for the match against América-MG.
Flamengo x América-MG
The last match against the Minas Gerais team was certainly special for the red-and-blacks. In the first round of the Brazilian Championship, the "Mais Querido" won 2-0 at the Maracanã stadium, and the match marked the departure of idol Julio Cesar from the field. Remember through the lens of FlaTV.
The goals in the second round of the 2018 Série A were scored by striker Henrique Dourado. "The Reaper" is the Rubro-Negro's top scorer this season. The number 19 has already found the net 11 times.
After the last game of his career and wearing the shirt of his favorite club, the number 12 described the night of the match against América-MG as a mix of emotions and thanked the Nation for its support.
"Today was a mix of emotions. Ending my career at Maracanã, where it all began, was very important to me. Sometimes I think I don't deserve it so much, but I can only thank those who came. I think I closed the book in an important way, with this victory at Maracanã."
See behind the scenes of the goalkeeper's farewell
Retrospect
Adding up all competitions and friendlies, América and Flamengo have faced each other 28 times throughout history, with 17 wins for the Mais Querido, five for the Minas Gerais team, and six draws. In goals scored, Flamengo has the advantage: 59 to 36.
Flamengo has defeated América-MG in the last eight times they've met. At Independência Stadium, there have been only two clashes, and all of those matches ended in draws.
The first match took place 101 years ago. On September 2, 1917, Flamengo won 2-1 in a friendly match played in Belo Horizonte.
Tickets
All tickets for Flamengo fans have already been sold. Once again, the nation is demonstrating its strength across the country.
Transmission
The game will be broadcast by Rede Globo and also by Canal Premiere FC.
Social media coverage
You can also follow the live action on Flamengo's official social media channels using the hashtag #AFCxFLA. Follow us on Twitter, at Instagram and like our page on Facebook. FlaTV also brings exclusive behind-the-scenes and match footage to the Rubro-Negra Nation. Sign up with one click, it's free!