On Wednesday night (2), Flamengo beat Corinthians 2-0 at Neo Química Arena in the first leg of the Conmebol Libertadores quarterfinals. The red-black goals were scored by Arrascaeta and Gabigol. With the result, Mengão can even lose by one goal in the second leg and qualify for the semifinals of the competition.

The game

The match started fairly evenly, with both teams sizing each other up. The first dangerous play came from Gustavo Mosquito, who forced goalkeeper Santos to make a good save and send the ball out for a corner. Gradually, Flamengo began to ground the ball and exchange passes in the attacking half.

In the 16th minute, Arrascaeta launched a beautiful ball to Pedro, who burst into the box and was thwarted by Fagner as he took the shot. Goalkeeper Cássio made the save. The red-and-black team played the ball patiently, trying to create space in the Corinthians defense, which was tightly closed. In the 32nd minute, Arrascaeta carried the ball through the middle and shot from the edge of the box. Cássio made the save.

In the 36th minute, Mengão opened the scoring with a stunning goal! Cantillo made a mistake when clearing the ball, and Arrascaeta took advantage and unleashed a shot into the top corner of Cássio's net: 0-1. The Mais Querido went into halftime with the lead.

Early in the second half, Flamengo extended their lead! Rodinei made a good run down the right and passed to Gabigol, who controlled the ball and fired a shot into the right corner of Cássio's net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance: 0-2. Flamengo didn't slow down and continued to attack, looking for more goals.

In the 15th minute, David Luiz attempted a well-placed shot, but Cássio made the save. With complete control of the game, Flamengo exchanged passes calmly, waiting for the best moment to score. In the final minutes, Flamengo continued to attack and left the field with a crucial victory. The return leg will be played next Tuesday (9) at Maracanã.

Next appointment

The Most Beloved returns to the field next Saturday (6) to face São Paulo, at 20:30 pm, at Morumbi, for the 21st round of the Brasileirão.

Flamengo lineup

Santos; Rodinei, David Luiz, Leo Pereira and Filipe Luis; Thiago Maia, João Gomes (Vidal), Everton Ribeiro and Arrascaeta (Victor Hugo); Gabi (Lazarus) and Pedro (Cebolinha).
Coach: Dorival Junior.

Corinthians lineup

Cassio; Fagner, Bruno Méndez, Balbuena and Lucas Piton; Du Queiroz, Cantillo (Giuliano), Maycon (Fausto Vera), Adson (Róger Guedes) and Gustavo Mosquito (Giovane); Yuri Alberto.
Coach: Victor Pereira.

Technical sheet

Corinthians 0x2 Flamengo - First leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals
Location: Neo Química Arena-SP
Date and time: 02/08/2022 at 21:30 pm
Referee: Patrício Loustau (ARG)
Assistants: Juan Pablo Belatti (ARG) and Facundo Rodríguez (ARG)
Yellow cards: Thiago Maia (FLA), Rodinei (FLA) and Cantillo (COR)
Goals: Arrascaeta (36'1st) and Gabi (5'2nd half).