In the sixth round of the Brasileirão, Flamengo beat Fortaleza 2-1 on Wednesday night (23), at Maracanã. The goals of Mais Querido were scored by Bruno Henrique (2), both in the first half. With the result, Mengão added nine points in four games played and occupies the seventh place in the championship.

The game
Flamengo started the match attacking Fortaleza and nearly opened the scoring after just two minutes. Felipe Alves made a poor pass, and the ball fell to Vitinho, who fired a long-range shot over the goal. The early game was a back-to-back affair, with Flamengo holding possession and attacking their opponents.

In the 21st minute, Mengão opened the scoring at the Maracanã Stadium! Bruno Henrique stole the ball inside the box, controlled it, and shot into the right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance: 1-0. In the 29th minute, Flamengo almost extended their lead. Michael launched a fast counterattack and found himself one-on-one with Felipe Alves, who stretched out his arm and managed to prevent the goal. Vitinho then took a corner kick into the box, and Rodrigo Caio headed it powerfully. The ball went just wide of the post.

In the closing stages of the first half, Bruno Henrique found the net again, scoring the second for Mais Querido! Pedro delivered a beautiful pass to the number 27, who carried the ball into the box and finished. The ball deflected off the defense before going in: 2-0.

Less than a minute into the second half, Fortaleza reduced the deficit with a David goal to 2-1. In the 8th minute, Bruno Henrique sped down the right, saw Felipe Alves ahead, and attempted to chip the ball. The ball hit the crossbar before going out.

In the 17th minute, Vitinho fired a powerful shot that the goalkeeper saved, sending it out for a corner. The red-and-blacks then blitzed the Fortaleza box. João Gomes delivered a beautiful pass to Gerson, who fired a powerful shot into the corner. Felipe Alves stretched to prevent the goal. Matheuzinho took the rebound first time, and Marcelo Benevenuto saved it on the line.

In the final minutes, the game became thrilling, with Fortaleza searching for the equalizer. But the Red-Blacks managed to hold on to their advantage and left the field with their third victory of the championship.

The match marked the farewell of midfielder Gerson, who made his final appearance for the Sacred Mantle today. He played 109 games and scored seven goals for Mengão. Thanks for everything, Joker!

Next appointment
Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Sunday (27) to face Juventude, at 11 am, at Alfredo Jaconi-RS Stadium. The confrontation is valid for the seventh round of the Brazilian Championship.

Flamengo lineup
Diego Alves; Matheuzinho, Rodrigo Caio, Willian Arão and Filipe Luis (Renê); Diego (Hugo Moura), Gerson and Vitinho (João Gomes); Michael, Bruno Henrique and Pedro (Rodrigo Muniz).
Coach: Rogério Ceni.

Fortaleza lineup
Felipe Alves; Tinga, Marcelo Benevenuto and Titi; Yago Pikachu, Éderson, Felipe (Ronald), Matheus Vargas (Romarinho) and Lucas Crispim (Osvaldo); David (Igor Torres) and Wellington Paulista (Robson).
Coach: Juan Vojvoda.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 2x1 Fortaleza – 6th Round of the 2021 Brazilian Championship
Location: Maracanã-RJ
Date: 23 / 06 / 2021
Referee: Anderson Daronco (RS)
Assistants: Rafael da Silva Alves (RS) and Michael Stanislau (RS)
Yellow cards: João Gomes (FLA) and David (FOR)
Goals: Bruno Henrique (21'1st half and 42'1st half) and David (00'2nd half).