Flamengo couldn't contain Nacional's pressure and lost 3-0 this Thursday night in Montevideo. With the loss in the third round of the Libertadores, Flamengo remained on four points and remained in second place in Group 4.

The game started off tough for Flamengo, as Nacional exploited aerial play, particularly through striker Richard Morales. The first chances for Flamengo fell to Juan and Kleberson, with shots from outside the box.

With the game fairly even, both teams had few opportunities. In the 20th minute, the home team threatened with a dangerous shot from Bertolo. Soon after, Richard Morales shot wide of another Nacional chance. In the 25th minute, Souza made a beautiful play, passing to Diego Tardelli, who dribbled past another opponent, and shot that goalkeeper Viera saved.

In the 37th minute, Kleberson crossed to Souza, who headed dangerously, scaring the Uruguayan goalkeeper. Three minutes later, Nacional opened the scoring. Romero shot from distance, goalkeeper Bruno parried, but Richard Morales finished into the net.

In the 42nd minute, Flamengo lost Toró, who got involved in a fight with the ball boy, and ended up being sent off by the referee.

In the second half, coach Joel Santana brought on Marcinho for Diego Tardelli. Just five minutes in, things got worse for the red-and-blacks, as Léo Moura received a red card for a foul.

Down two men, Nacional went on the attack. Bruno made a stunning save from Victorino's header. Concerned about Uruguayan pressure, Joel Santana took off Kleberson and brought on Jailton.

In the 22nd minute, after a scramble in the penalty area, Richard Morales capitalized to extend Nacional's lead to 2-0. A minute later, Fornaroli's free kick deflected off the wall, leaving goalkeeper Bruno with no chance. Even down two men, Flamengo tried to attack Nacional but couldn't close the gap.

In the next round, the red-black team will face Nacional again, on the 19th, at Maracanã.

GAME SHEET:

NACIONAL 3 x 0 FLAMENGO  

National: Viera, Geraldo Acosta, Mauricio Victorino, Deivis Barone, Romero, Cardaccio, Oscar Morales (Arismendi)(Liquéra),Diego Arismendi, Nicolás Bertolo, Richard Morales (Pereyra) and Bruno Fornaroli Coach: Gerardo Pelusso   

Flamengo: Bruno, Leo Moura, Fabio Luciano, Ronaldo Angelim, Juan, Cristian, Ibson, Kleberson (Jailton), Toró, Diego Tardelli (Marcinho), Souza (Jônatas) Coach: Joel Santana  

Goals: Morales, 40 minutes into the first half; Morales, 22 minutes into the second half, and Fornaroli, 23 minutes into the second half\ Yellow cards: Leo Moura and Ibson (FLA);\ Red cards: Toró and Leo Moura (FLA)\ Referee: Pablo Pozo (CHI)\ Assistants: Iván Gamboa (Bolivia) and Juan Carlos Arroyo (Bolivia)\ Date: 06/03/2008\ Stadium: Gran Parque Central (Montevideo\