A crucial victory! In the Clássico dos Milhões, valid for the 34th round of the Brasileirão, Flamengo defeated Vasco 2-0 on Thursday night (04), at Maracanã. The Rubro-Negro's goals were scored by Gabigol, from a penalty, and Bruno Henrique, with a header, after a corner kick. With the result, Mengão shortened the lead over the championship leader, which is now just two points, and remains alive in the fight for the national title.

The game
The first half began with heavy marking in midfield, with both teams stifling the ball. Flamengo, as usual, valued possession and tried to find space in Vasco's defense to create plays. In the 12th minute, the red-and-black team had the first clear chance. Gabigol received the ball alone between Vasco's defense and found himself face-to-face with Fernando Miguel. The striker fired a low shot, which the goalkeeper saved with his feet.

In the 28th minute, Gerson carried the ball, cut inside Léo Gil, cut inside the half-moon, and unleashed a powerful shot. Fernando Miguel parried the ball, preventing the red-and-black goal. In the 47th minute, Mengão opened the scoring! After consulting VAR, the referee awarded a penalty by Léo Matos on Bruno Henrique. Gabigol stepped up to take the shot and only displaced the goalkeeper: 1-0. The Mais Querido went into halftime with the advantage.

The second half saw a lively start. Vasco opened up more attacking play, allowing Flamengo to capitalize on the space available to counterattack. In the 19th minute, after a back-and-forth at the edge of the box, the ball fell to Arrascaeta, who picked it up first time and sent it wide of the post.

In the 31st minute, Mengão extended their lead! Everton Ribeiro sent a corner kick to Bruno Henrique, who rose unmarked to slot home past Fernando Miguel: 2-0. In the final minutes of the match, the red-and-black team controlled the result and left the field with a crucial victory in the fight for the Brazilian title.

And now?
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Sunday (07) to face Bragantino, at 20:30 pm, at the Nabi Abi Chedid stadium. The confrontation is valid for the 35th round of the Brazilian Championship.

Flamengo lineup
Hugo; Isla, Willian Arão, Gustavo Henrique and Filipe Luis; Diego (João Gomes), Gerson (Pepê), Everton Ribeiro and De Arrascaeta (Vitinho); Bruno Henrique (Michael) and Gabi (Pedro).
Coach: Rogério Ceni