In the first leg of the Libertadores quarterfinals, Flamengo had another stellar performance and thrashed Olimpia 4-1 on Wednesday night (11), at the Manuel Ferreira Stadium, in Paraguay. The goals for the Mais Querido were scored by Arrascaeta, Gabi (twice) and Vitinho. With the result, Mengão will have a comfortable advantage in the second leg, next Wednesday (18), in Brasília, to reach the semifinals of the tournament.  

The game
The match began with both teams closely studying each other. In the seventh minute, Flamengo created a threat for the first time. Bruno Henrique led a counterattack on the right and crossed to Gabigol inside the box, who fired a first-time shot, but the goalkeeper made a good save. However, the Flamengo striker was in an offside position.

In the 14th minute, Filipe Luís arrived well on the left and crossed for Everton Ribeiro, who headed it over the goal. Soon after, Mengão opened the scoring! In a quick counterattack, Gabigol delivered a great pass to Bruno Henrique, who entered the box and passed it to Arrascaeta, who controlled it, chose the corner, and finished for the goal: 1-0.

After taking the lead, the red-and-black team continued to attack in search of a second goal, which they did late in the first half. After reviewing the VAR, the referee awarded a penalty to Arrascaeta. Gabigol stepped up to take the shot and only displaced the goalkeeper: 2-0. Olimpia still managed to reduce the lead with Iván Torres in the 58th minute: 2-1.

Early in the second half, Mengão doubled their lead! Bruno Henrique attempted a shot from outside the box, but the ball ended up at the feet of Gabigol, who slotted it into the back of the net: 3-1. Even with a comfortable lead, Flamengo didn't give up on the attack and continued to create opportunities up front. In the 20th minute, Arrascaeta played a one-two with Gabi, received the ball inside the box, but fired over.

Four minutes later, another great chance was created. Bruno Henrique led a counterattack on the left and delivered a great pass to Everton Ribeiro, who shot straight at Aguilar. And there was still time for the red-and-black team's fourth goal! In the 45th minute, Gabigol was released deep, burst into the box, and passed the ball to Vitinho, who finished into the net, sealing Mengão's 4-1 victory in Paraguay.

Next appointment
Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Sunday (15) to face Sport, at 16 pm, at Estádio Raulino de Oliveira, for the 16th round of the Brasileirão.

Flamengo lineup
Diego Alves; Isla (Matheuzinho), Gustavo Henrique, Leo Pereira and Filipe Luis (Ramon); Willian Arão, Diego (Thiago Maia), Everton Ribeiro (Michael) and Arrascaeta (Vitinho); Bruno Henrique and Gabi.
Coach: Renato Gaucho.

Olimpia lineup
Aguilar; Salazar (Otalvaro), Salcedo, Ortiz and Ivan Torres; Orzusa (Quintana), Ramon Sosa Derlis González (Camacho) and Ojeda; Roque Santa Cruz and Walter González (Recalde).
Coach: Sergio Ortemán.

Technical sheet
Olimpia 1x4 Flamengo – First leg of the Libertadores Quarterfinals
Location: Manuel Ferreira Stadium, Paraguay
Date: 11 / 08 / 2021
Referee: Fernando Rapallini (ARG)
Assistants: Juan Belatti (ARG) and Diego Bonfa (ARG)
Yellow cards: Ortiz (OLI), Orzusa (OLI), Filipe Luis (FLA), Derlis González (OLI), Gustavo Henrique (FLA), Salcedo (OLI), Isla (FLA) and Arrascaeta (FLA)
Goals: Arrascaeta (15'1st half), Gabi (55'1st half and 6'2nd half), Iván Torres (58'1st half) and Vitinho (45'2nd half).