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Empire of Love maintains high productivity

Adriano scores twice and Flamengo remains undefeated in the Rio Cup, with four wins and one draw

By - in

The Empire of Love's writing continues. With Adriano and Vagner Love scoring, Flamengo remains undefeated this season. This Sunday (March 21.03st) was no different. The Artilheiro do Amor (Artilleryman of Love) failed to score despite having plenty of shots, but the Emperor did his part. The number 10 found the net twice, once in the final play of the match, and was instrumental in maintaining Flamengo's unbeaten run in the Taça Rio.

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Before the ball rolled for the second half, defender Alvaro explained what Andrade had asked in the locker room: "The team has to work more on the wings. Botafogo is grouped in the middle, so we have to open the ball, get to the byline and cross for the attackers to score," he explained.

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And that's exactly how Adriano tied the match. Everton Silva crossed from the right for the Emperor to head home. With Sunday's two goals, Adriano reached eight in the Campeonato Carioca and nine this season. Vagner Love has 12 this year. In other words, the duo has now scored 21 times in 16 matches.

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"Adriano had a tough week, but you know he's an above-average player. He's a goalscorer, he took responsibility and got it done," said coach Andrade.

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It's worth noting that Flamengo has only lost twice this year, in the only games in which neither Love nor Adriano scored: against Botafogo in the Guanabara Cup semifinal and against Universidad de Chile in the Libertadores. In classics, the Emperor has a great average: against Botafogo, he scored four goals in four games, against Vasco, he scored once in his only duel, and against Fluminense, he scored five goals in three matches.