Playing at the altitude of Quito, Ecuador, Flamengo beat LDU 3-2 on Tuesday night (4), at Casa Blanca Stadium. The goals for Mais Querido were scored by Gabi (2) and Bruno Henrique. With the result, Mengão remains in sole leadership of its group.

The game
Mengão started the first half with a bang, opening the scoring after just two minutes. Everton Ribeiro carried the ball through the middle, cleared the defense, and delivered a sweet pass to Gabigol, who burst into the box and beat the goalkeeper to score the first goal: 1-0.

The Flamengo team pressed high, making it difficult for LDU to get the ball out. When they did attack, Flamengo passed the ball around, looking for space in the opposing defense. In the 23rd minute, Everton Ribeiro took a shot from outside the box and forced the goalkeeper to palm it away for a corner.

Six minutes later, Mais Querido doubled the lead with a stunning goal! After an exchange of passes, Gabigol passed to Bruno Henrique, who fired a beautiful shot from outside the box into Gabbarini's left corner: 2-0. After a great first half, Mais Querido went into the break with the lead.

Flamengo returned for the second half with Hugo Souza replacing Diego Alves, who was experiencing thigh discomfort. Four minutes in, Borja pulled one back for LDU: 2-1. Flamengo responded quickly and nearly added a third through Arrascaeta, whose first-time shot from the edge of the box went just wide of the post.

In the 15th minute, LDU tied the game with Amarilla: 2-2. After conceding the equalizer, the red-and-black team managed to keep more possession and try attacking plays. In the 36th minute, the Mais Querido took the lead again! Corozo conceded a penalty on Arrascaeta, Gabigol stepped up to take the shot and only displaced the goalkeeper to seal the red-and-black victory, 3-2.   

Next appointment
Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Saturday (8) to face Volta Redonda, at 21:05 pm, at Maracanã, for the second game of the semifinals of the Campeonato Carioca.

Flamengo lineup
Diego Alves (Hugo Souza). Isla, Willian Arão, Bruno Viana (Gustavo Henrique) and Filipe Luis; João Gomes (Hugo Moura), Diego, Everton Ribeiro (Vitinho) and Arrascaeta; Bruno Henrique and Gabi (Renê).
Coach: Rogério Ceni

Technical sheet
LDU 2x3 Flamengo
Location: Casa Blanca Stadium, Quito, Ecuador
Date: 04 / 05 / 2021
Referee: Esteban Ostojich (Uruguay)
Assistants: Nicolas Taran (Uruguay) and Martin Soppi (Uruguay)
Yellow Card: Luis Caicedo (LDU), Corozo (LDU), Alcívar (LDU), Hugo Souza (FLA), Diego (FLA), Piovi (LDU), Espinoza (LDU)
Goals: Gabriel Barbosa (2'1st half), Bruno Henrique (29'1st half), Martínez Borja (4'2nd half), Amarilla (15'2nd half), Gabriel Barbosa (36'2nd half).