With grit and merit! Flamengo defeats Corinthians at Maracanã to the rhythm of the Nation
Felipe Vizeu scored the winning goal in the 34th minute of the second half.
By Flamengo Communication - inFlamengo and its Nation put on a show at Maracanã on Sunday afternoon (3). With almost 50 thousand fans present, the Most Beloved beat Corinthians 1-0, with a goal from Felipe Vizeu, and took the lead in the 2018 Brasileirão. Now, Mengão faces Fluminense, next Thursday, at Mané Garrincha, in Brasília.
zIntense first half, but no goals
Mengão started the match well, imposing a strong pace and pushing Corinthians back into defense. The back four of Everton Ribeiro, Diego, Lucas Paquetá, and Vinicius Junior once again demonstrated the desired chemistry. It was through this back four, with its commitment and patience, that the red-and-black team created its chances in the first 45 minutes.
At one point, Mauricio Barbieri's men had 87% possession, capitalizing on it. Just eight minutes in, a free kick from the left side blew the ball into the opponent's net. Vinicius Junior also created a threat in the 10th minute, and in the 19th minute, Léo Duarte headed in a corner kick.
The pressure was intense for at least 25 minutes. Then, with a more measured game, the Mais Querido continued to produce, as in Henrique Dourado's opportunity, turning inside the box to shoot in the 35th minute. In the play that led to a corner, Vinicius Junior threatened immediately after.
Before halftime, Diego created a dangerous volley that was blocked by the São Paulo defense. In the opponent's few opportunities, Diego Alves, confident, solved the problem for Flamengo.
Intensity rewarded with a goal
Even though they were a bit more defensive in the first five minutes of the second half, Flamengo showed they had intensity. And they did. From start to finish. After this initial lack of dominance, the team repositioned their defense and regained control of the game.
The first big chance came in the 14th minute on the left flank. After a good exchange of passes, Renê found Diego inside the box, and the number 10 headed dangerously. It was an opportunity for the team to ignite the field.
Flamengo grew, sought to rent Corinthians's defense, and succeeded. Barbieri brought on Felipe Vizeu in Dourado's place. The team persisted, fighting for every space, but couldn't find a goal. The opponent closed in behind without any ceremony.
And it was in the heart, to the tune of the Biggest Fanbase in the World, that the three points arrived. In a great attacking move, the ball fell to Lucas Paquetá, who finished masterfully. Walter found the top corner, but on the return, Vizeu converted and sent it into the net. All this in the 34th minute.
From then on, the Red-Blacks held on to the result, but always in the attacking half. A major victory that leaves the Brasileirão leader alone, four points ahead of second-place São Paulo.