In the professional team's debut in the 2026 season, Flamengo beat Vasco 1-0 on Wednesday night (21), at Maracanã, for the third round of the Cariocão. Carrascal scored at the beginning of the second half and sealed Mengão's first victory in the championship. With four points added, Mais Querido climbed to third place in Group B and is in the qualifying zone for the knockout phase of the State Championship. 

Become a Nation Supporter Member and guarantee priority access to tickets ❤️. Learn more at [link to website] nation.flamengo.com.br.

The game

The match started with high intensity at the Maracanã, with both teams looking to maintain possession. Flamengo created their first dangerous chance in the fifth minute. Carrascal took a corner and Léo Pereira headed towards the corner, forcing a good save from Léo Jardim. Moments later, the ball fell to Daniel Sales on the left, he crossed into the area and Plata headed it just wide of the post.

With high pressing, Flamengo pressured Vasco's build-up play and often managed to steal the ball near the attacking area. At eight minutes, Bruno Henrique dispossessed PH and crossed into the box for Daniel Sales to shoot, but Barros made two saves. Another dangerous attack came at 14 minutes, Royal crossed into the box, Cebolinha made a run and headed towards the corner, forcing another great save from Léo Jardim.

Occupying the entire attacking field, Flamengo created chances to open the scoring. At 20', Royal delivered another cross, Bruno Henrique headed downwards, as the game dictates, the ball bounced and Léo Jardim, once again, saved Vasco with a fantastic save. After the water break, the game became more congested for a few minutes.

In the final stretch of the first half, Cebolinha received the ball on the left, feinted past PH, entered the penalty area and took a placed shot aiming for the goalkeeper's left corner, but the ball went over the goal. In the last play before halftime, Carrascal took a free kick from the left edge of the penalty area, but sent it wide. A good first half at the Maracanã, despite the goalless draw.

With two substitutions, Flamengo returned from halftime with Alex Sandro replacing Daniel Sales and Pedro taking Bruno Henrique's place. Just four minutes in, Barros tackled Carrascal in the calf and was sent off, leaving Vasco with one less player. At 11', Cebolinha received the ball at the edge of the area, dribbled past Hugo Moura and Thiago Mendes, created space and took a shot. The ball hit the side netting.

Taking advantage of having an extra man, Flamengo pressured Vasco in their own half. After numerous attempts, Mengão opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Léo Pereira crossed into the area, Piton made a partial clearance, and the ball fell to Carrascal, who volleyed it from the edge of the box into the corner. The ball even touched the post before going in: 1-0.

After the goal, Carrascal was substituted by Luiz Araújo. In the 33rd minute, Pedro battled against three defenders inside the area and passed the ball back. Plata arrived and shot first-time towards the corner, but Léo Jardim made another great save. Flamengo continued to create chances, and Pedro almost extended the lead. The number 9 received the ball from Samuel Lino, turned, and shot towards goal. The ball deflected on its way and went out for a corner.

In the final minutes, Flamengo continued to attack, valuing possession of the ball until the final whistle. Flamengo's first victory in the Carioca Championship, in the debut of the main squad in the 2026 season.

Flamengo

Rossi; Emerson Royal, Vitão, Léo Pereira and Daniel Sales (Alex Sandro); Erick Pulgar (Léo Ortiz), Evertton Araujo and Carrascal (Luiz Araújo); Plata, Everton Cebolinha (Samuel Lino) and Bruno Henrique (Pedro).
Coach: Filipe Luís. 

Vasco

Léo Jardim; Paulo Henrique, Cuesta (Saldivia), Robert Renan and Lucas Piton; Barros, Thiago Mendes (JP) and Coutinho (David); Andréz Gómez, Nuno Moreira (Tchê Tchê) and GB (Hugo Moura).
Coach: Filipe Luís. 

Week's agenda

The Most Beloved returns to the field next Sunday (25) to play the classic against Fluminense, at 18 pm, at Maracanã, for the fourth round of the Campeonato Carioca.

Technical sheet

Flamengo 1-0 Vasco – Campeonato Carioca | Round 3
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Date and time: 21/01/2026 at 21:30 am
Referees: Bruno Arleu de Araújo (RJ), Thiago Henrique Neto Corrêa Farinha (RJ) and Hugo Filemon Soares Pinto (RJ)
Yellow cards: Emerson Royal (FLA)
Red card: Barros (VAS) and Erick Pulgar (FLA)
Goal: Carrascal (23'2nd half).

FFFFFFFFFFFFIMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM OF THE GAME AT MARACAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! WITH A GOAL BY CARRASCAL, MENGÃO WINS THE CLASSIC AND ADDS 3 POINTS IN THE CARIOCÃO! VAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMOS, FLAMENGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!#GameOver pic.twitter.com/Gu7WtH2cd0

— FL4MEN9O (@Flamengo) January 22, 2026