In a duel for the leadership of the Brasileirão, Flamengo was persistent until the last minute and beat Bahia 2-1, on Thursday night (20), at Maracanã, in the 10th round of the competition. Gerson and David Luiz scored for Mengão, who retook the lead of the championship with 21 points.

The game
The clash between the Brasileirão's top-ranked teams began with a fierce battle for possession. Needing a win to maintain their position at the top of the table, both teams sought to attack. Bahia pushed forward and had the majority of possession early in the match. Flamengo, on the other hand, struggled to transition from defense to attack due to their opponent's tight marking.

Until the 22nd minute, Mengão managed to get going by exchanging passes in attack and opened the scoring with Gerson! Luiz Araújo passed to Lorran, who burst into the box, dribbled, and passed to Pedro. The striker gave a subtle back pass, and the number 8 struck powerfully into the goalkeeper's left corner, making it 1-0 at the Maraca. It was the Joker's 15th goal in 193 games wearing the Sacred Mantle.

Bahia equalized in the 34th minute with Everaldo, who beat Ayrton Lucas in speed and shot over the bar past goalkeeper Rossi: 1-1. After the equalizer, Bahia returned to roaming the red-black area exchanging passes.

The Mais Querido tried to respond and narrowly missed scoring a second in the 43rd minute with Cebolinha, who ended up shooting wide. In a lively first half, the teams went into the break with the score tied.

Flamengo returned with one change for the second half. Cebolinha came off, making way for Bruno Henrique. The Bahian team continued exchanging passes in the attacking half, maintaining possession close to the red-and-black penalty area.

Sensing the difficulties in penetrating the opposing defense, the Mais Querido often relied on counterattacks with Lorran and Luiz Araújo. Around the 18th minute, Gabi and Allan came on for Lorran and Luiz Araújo, respectively. Gerson returned to playing more on the right wing.

In the 22nd minute, Gerson sent a close cross to the far post, Bruno Henrique rose, but headed wide. In the final minutes, the red-and-black team pressed forward in search of the winning goal. In the 43rd minute, Gerson took a corner kick, and David Luiz rose to head it in. VAR checked for a possible touch on Gilberto's arm, but allowed play to continue.

In stoppage time, Mengão persisted and scored the winning goal in the 48th minute, much to the delight of the nation! Gerson, taking a free kick from the right, lifted the ball into the box, and David Luiz rose to head it into the back of the net, sealing the victory for Flamengo. Flamengo retook the lead in the Brasileirão with 21 points.

Week's agenda
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Sunday (23) to play the classic against Fluminense, at 16 pm, at Maracanã, for the 11th round of the Brasileirão.

Flamengo
Rossi; Wesley, David Luiz, Leo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas (Cleiton); Leo Ortiz (Evertton Araújo), Gerson and Lorran (Gabi); Luiz Araújo (Allan), Everton Cebolinha (Bruno Henrique) and Pedro.
Coach: Tite.

Bahia
Marcos Felipe; Gilberto, Gabriel Xavier, Kanu and Luciano Juba; Caio Alexandre (Rezende), Jean Lucas, Everton Ribeiro (Carlos de Pena) and Cauly (Biel); Thaciano (Estupiñán) and Everaldo (Ademir).
Coach: Rogério Ceni.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 2x1 Bahia – 10th Round of the Brazilian Championship
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date and time: 20/06/2024 at 20:XNUMX PM
Refereeing: Braulio da Silva Machado (FIFA/SC), Nailton Jr. De Sousa Oliveira (FIFA/CE) and Eduardo Gonçalves da Cruz (MS)
Yellow cards: Léo Ortiz (FLA) and Jean Lucas (BAH)
Goals: Gerson (22'1st half), Everaldo (34'1st half) and David Luiz (48'2nd half).