In the debut of the 2023 Brasileirão, Flamengo started its journey on the right foot by beating Coritiba 3-0 on Sunday afternoon (16), at Maracanã. The goals of the red-black team were scored by Ayrton Lucas, Gabi (penalty) and Pedro. Now, Mais Querido changes its focus to the Libertadores, where it faces Ñublense next Wednesday (19), with Jorge Sampaoli already on the sidelines.

The game
With Sampaoli watching closely from the Maracanã stadium, Flamengo began the match looking to exchange passes in the attacking half. Seven minutes in, Ayrton Lucas received the ball on the left edge of the box and took a shot. The goalkeeper palmed it away. It was the first good chance for Flamengo.

It didn't take long for Mengão to open the scoring with a stunning goal! Gerson headed the ball to Ayrton Lucas on the left. With freedom, the full-back took a shot, and the ball went into the goalkeeper's left corner: 1-0. Another beautiful goal from our "little kiss"!

After the goal, Mais Querido had more composure to work the ball from foot to foot, trying to switch plays from one side to the other. In the 42nd minute, Matheus França took advantage of a loose ball in front of the box and unleashed a powerful shot. The ball exploded off the post.

Late in the first half, Flamengo nearly extended their lead. Matheus França capitalized on Coritiba's poor clearance and passed to Everton Ribeiro. The number 7 took a low shot, but the goalkeeper palmed it away. He himself took a corner kick into the box, and Matheus França headed dangerously. Flamengo went into the break with the lead and playing good football.

Flamengo returned for the second half with the same approach, valuing possession in the attacking half as they sought to create space in Coritiba's defense. In the 9th minute, Gerson received the ball on the right side of the box, cut inside his marker, and was brought down. The referee awarded a penalty. Gabigol stepped up to take the shot and sent it into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance: 2-0.

After a long absence due to a knee injury, Bruno Henrique came on in place of Cebolinha and received a standing ovation from the nation. Later, Marinho and Pedro also came on in place of Matheus França and Gabi, respectively.

In stoppage time, Mengão scored the third! Marinho took a free kick into the box, the ball bounced off the defense and fell to Pedro, who turned and passed it to Victor Hugo, who returned it up front for the number 9 to tap it neatly into the back of the net: 3-0. The game ended at the Maracanã with a celebration from the Red-Black Nation. A great start to the Brasileirão!

Next appointment
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Wednesday (19) to face Ñublense, at 21:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the second round of Group A of the Conmebol Libertadores.

Flamengo lineup
Santos; Wesley, Fabrício Bruno, Leo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Thiago Maia (Igor Jesus), Gerson and Everton Ribeiro (Victor Hugo); Matheus França (Marinho), Everton Cebolinha (Bruno Henrique) and Gabi (Pedro).

Coritiba lineup
Gabriel; Natanael, Chancellor, Kuscevic and Victor Luis; Bruno Gomes, Junior Urso and Liziero; William Pottker (Kaio César), Alef Manga and Rodrigo Pinho (Robson).
Technician: Antonio Oliveira.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 3x0 Coritiba - 1st Round of the 2023 Brazilian Championship
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date and time: 16/04/2023 at 16:XNUMX PM
Arbitration: Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima (PE), Danilo Ricardo Simon Manis (SP) and Karla Renata Cavalcanti de Santana (PE)
Yellow cards: Gabi (FLA), Junior Urso (COR), William Potker (COR), Fabrício Bruno (FLA), Marinho (FLA) and Zé Roberto (COR)
Goals: Ayrton Lucas (11'1st half), Gabi (10'2nd half) and Pedro (49'2nd half).