In the 31st round of the Brasileirão, Flamengo beat Palmeiras 2-0 on Thursday night (21), at the Mané Garrincha stadium, in Brasília. The Rubro-Negro's goals were scored by Luan (own goal) and Pepê, in the second half. With the result, Mengão remains alive in the fight for the national title.

The game
The match began with strong marking from both teams, keeping the game moving at a high pace. Flamengo's first big opportunity came in the fifth minute. Arrascaeta unleashed a bicycle kick from the right side of the penalty area, forcing a great save from Weverton. In the 13th minute, Flamengo again threatened. After exchanging passes, Everton Ribeiro passed to Gerson inside the box, who fired a shot straight at the goalkeeper. The ball fell to Gabigol, who sent it over the bar.

With quick passing and short combinations, the Rubro-Negro team surrounded Palmeiras and managed to create good chances in attack. With so much persistence, Mengão opened the scoring in the 45th minute! After pressure on the ball, Everton Ribeiro advanced and the ball fell to Bruno Henrique, who passed to Arrascaeta. The Uruguayan played the ball between Werverton's legs, and Kuscevic tried to clear it, but his shot went straight at Luan, and the ball went into the back of the net. An own goal in Brasília!

In the second half, the game became more even, with Palmeiras having to attack more. But the red-and-black team maintained a strong and well-coordinated marking, managing to break down the plays. In the 26th minute, after a free kick from Filipe Luís, Gustavo Henrique rose unmarked in the six-yard box, and the ball sailed just wide of the post. In the 35th minute, Bruno Henrique received the ball at the edge of the box and took a shot. Weverton stretched to prevent the goal.

In the 37th minute, Mengão extended their lead! After a corner kick, the ball bounced off Pedro, who managed to set it up for Pepê to slot home a first-time shot into the goalkeeper's left corner: 2-0. For the rest of the match, Flamengo controlled the result and left the field with the three points, crucial in the fight for the Brazilian title.

And now?
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Sunday (24) to face Athletico-PR, at 16 pm, at Arena da Baixada. The confrontation is valid for the 32nd round of the Brazilian Championship.

Flamengo lineup
Hugo; Isla, Rodrigo Caio (Gustavo Henrique), Willian Arão and Filipe Luis; Diego (Pepê), Gerson (Vitinho), Everton Ribeiro and Arrascaeta (João Gomes); Bruno Henrique and Gabi (Pedro).
Coach: Rogério Ceni.