In front of more than 60 fans, Flamengo put on a show, thrashing Palmeiras 5-2 this Sunday at Maracanã. Ibson was the standout performer for Flamengo, scoring three goals. Marcelinho Paraíba and Kleberson added the other goals. The victory moved Flamengo into third place in the Brazilian Championship with 63 points. With three games remaining, the dream of a sixth championship remains alive.

Flamengo started the game at full throttle and quickly opened the scoring. Two minutes in, Kleberson made a beautiful run down the right and crossed perfectly for Marcelinho Paraíba. The number 11 took the ball first time and slotted it into Marcos' left corner: 1-0 Flamengo.

The match was played at a high tempo, and Palmeiras equalized in the 12th minute. Leonardo Gaciba scored a penalty from Jailton on Kleber. Alex Mineiro struck well to level the score at Maracanã: 1-1. The red-and-black team didn't feel the impact of the goal and continued to attack Vanderlei Luxemburgo's team. Kleberson, Ibson, and Marcelinho Paraíba tormented the São Paulo defense.

In the 20th minute, Fábio Luciano received a pass from Obina and passed to Marcelinho Paraíba. The forward crossed to Ibson, who fired a powerful shot from inside the box: 2-1 Flamengo. After the goal, Caio Júnior's team began to move the ball around more. With Airton and Jailton playing well in defense, the red-and-black team wasn't much of a threat from Palmeiras' attack. Jailton had the last good chance for the red-and-black team in the first half. Following a corner, the number 14 backheel almost caught Marcos off guard.

Flamengo returned for the second half with Everton replacing Juan. Flamengo continued to dominate the match, and Obina had two good chances to extend the lead in the opening minutes. In the 10th minute, Kleberson made a great play through the middle and passed to Ibson, who finished with aplomb, leaving Marcos with no chance: 3-1 and a celebration from the fans in the stands. Five minutes later, Flamengo's defense slackened, and Palmeiras pulled one back. Martinez crossed, and Kleber scored with a header: 3-2.

Flamengo maintained its offensive momentum and extended its lead shortly thereafter. Ibson, the man of the match, played a one-two with Kleberson and scored a stunning backheel goal: 4-2 Flamengo. With Flamengo fans putting on a great show in the stands, Flamengo didn't slow down and added the fifth in the 24th minute. Fábio Luciano received the ball from Ibson in the penalty area and crossed perfectly for Kleberson, perfectly placed on the field, to head home: 5-2 Flamengo.

After the fifth goal, Flamengo held the ball back and let the clock run out. In the stands, fans celebrated their return to the top four of the Brazilian Championship. In the next round, the team from Gávea faces another direct rival in the battle for the top spots. The red-and-black team faces Cruzeiro on Sunday at Mineirão Stadium.

TECHNICAL SHEET: FLAMENGO 5 X 2 PALMEIRAS

Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/time: 16/11/2008 - 17:1.166.807,00 p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Leonardo Gaciba (Fifa - RS)\ Revenue/attendance: R$ 59.678 / XNUMX pages\ Yellow cards: Aírton (FLA); and Gustavo (PAL)\

GOALS: Marcelinho Paraíba, 2'/1st half (1-0); Alex Mineiro (penalty), 12'/1st half (1-1); Ibson, 21'/1st half (2-1); Ibson, 10'/2nd half (3-1); Kléber, 15'/2nd half (3-2); Ibson, 19'/2nd half (4-2); and Kleberson, 24'/2nd half (5-2).

FLAMENGO: Bruno, Jaílton, Fábio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim; Leo Moura, Aírton, Ibson (Maxi, 37'/2nd half), Kleberson and Juan (Everton, half-time); Marcelinho Paraíba (Toró, 18'/2nd half) and Obina. Coach: Caio Júnior.

PALMEIRAS: Marcos, Gustavo, Roque Junior and Martinez (Sandro Silva, 23'/2nd half); Fabinho Capixaba (Evandro, 17'/2nd half), Jumar (Maicossuel, 11'/2nd half), Pierre, Diego Souza and Leandro; Kléber and Alex Mineiro. Coach: Vanderlei Luxemburgo.