Nation puts on a show, Flamengo plays well and defeats LDU in the Conmebol Libertadores
More than 62 thousand fans pushed the team to its second victory in the competition
By Flamengo Communication - in
In a spectacular night in the Maracanã stands, Flamengo defeated LDU 3-1 and remains undefeated in the Conmebol Libertadores. More than 62 Flamengo fans cheered on the "Mais Querido" in their first home match of the international competition. Everton Ribeiro opened the scoring, Gabigol added his, and Uribe sealed the victory. Borja scored the consolation goal for the Ecuadorians. Diego Alves also saved a penalty kick late in the first half.
Flamengo leads Group D of the Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores, with six points from two matches. San José and Peñarol still face each other in the round, but neither team can catch the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved).
Pressure, great goal and great defense from number 1
The Maracanã stadium was packed with fans of the Red-Black Nation, and the support from the stands was crucial to the Mais Querido's blistering start. Just nine minutes into the first half, Everton Ribeiro opened the scoring after a beautiful play by Diego. The number 7 received the ball unmarked in the penalty area and tapped it into the back of the net with a touch of class.
Even with the favorable score, Mengão continued to attack, and Bruno Henrique came very close to extending the lead after a well-rehearsed free kick. The number 27's header was stopped by goalkeeper Gabbarini. The LDU goalkeeper was also forced to work hard on a Willian Arão shot shortly after.
Diego and Gabigol also had good opportunities, but they ended up sending their chances over the opposing goal. In the final play of the first half, LDU still had a penalty kick to take, but against Diego Alves, there was no way to do anything. The number 1 was precise and saved de Intriago's shot.
Decisive attackers and first place in the group assured
Just like the first half, the second half was all red and black, and in the 14th minute, Arão made the opposing goalkeeper work with a shot from outside the box. Bruno Henrique then set up Gabigol, and the number 9 fired home to make it 2-0.
In the 35th minute, coach Abel Braga decided to bring on Fernando Uribe, and the Colombian's first touch of the ball led to the third goal. Renê crossed, Arão headed the ball, and the number 20 beat the opposing goalkeeper. In the end, LDU managed to pull one back with a penalty kick from Borja.
And now?
The Mais Querido's next challenge in the Conmebol Libertadores will be on April 3rd, at 21:30 pm, again at Maracanã.