Party at the Maracanã! In the second leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals, Mengão defeated Grêmio 2-0 on Wednesday night (15) and secured a spot in the semifinals. Pedro scored both Flamengo goals. It's worth noting that this was the first match with fans at Maracanã since the start of the pandemic. It proved that, with proper organization and following all health protocols, football can welcome fans back to stadiums.

The game
The match started evenly, with both teams looking to attack. Flamengo, which had a comfortable lead from the first leg, exchanged passes in Grêmio's midfield, looking for space to penetrate the box. In the 32nd minute, Michael found Gabigol on the right side of the box, who attempted a shot but missed. The striker was then blocked by Paulo Miranda.

In the 40th minute, Gabigol switched the play to Michael on the left side of the box. The striker dribbled past Rafinha and fired a low shot. Kennemann made the save, preventing the red-and-black goal. The first half ended goalless.

In the second half, the game became more electrifying and competitive, with numerous fouls being used to stop the play. In the 26th minute, the Mais Querido created a great opportunity. Matheuzinho crossed from the right, Everton Ribeiro hit a cross, and Pedro almost managed to deflect it into the net.

Next, Pedro nearly scored a stunning goal! Everton Ribeiro crossed into the box, the striker controlled it with his chest, and unleashed a bicycle kick. The ball went just wide of the post. The play was reviewed by VAR, which revealed Rodrigues's handball in the box. The referee awarded a penalty to Mengão! Pedro fired a low shot into the middle of the goal to open the scoring for Flamengo: 1-0.

And there was still time for a second! In the 41st minute, Pedro fed Everton Ribeiro in the box, the number 7 shot, and the ball hit the post. Pedro fired the rebound into the net for his second goal of the match, delighting the Red-Black Nation at the Maracanã!

On aggregate, Mengão won 6-0, securing their place in the Copa do Brasil semifinals. The Red-Blacks will face Athletico.

Next appointment
The Most Beloved returns to the field next Sunday (19) to face Grêmio again, at 20:30 pm, at Maracanã. This time, the game will be valid for the 21st round of the Brasileirão.

Flamengo lineup
Gabriel Batista; Matheuzinho, Rodrigo Caio (Gustavo Henrique), Leo Pereira and Renê (Ramon); Thiago Maia (Joao Gomes), Andreas, Everton Ribeiro and Vitinho (Lazarus); Michael and Gabi (Pedro).
Coach: Renato Gaucho.

Gremio lineup
Brenno; Rafinha, Paulo Miranda (Rodrigues), Kannemann and Diogo Barbosa; Fernando Henrique, Mateus Sarará (Lucas Silva) and Villasanti; Léo Pereira, Jhonata Robert (Everton) and Borja (Diego Souza).
Coach: Felipão.

Technical sheet
Flamengo 2x0 Grêmio – Second leg of the Copa do Brasil Quarterfinals
Location: Maracanã, RJ
Audience: 6.446
Date: 15 / 09 / 2021
Referee: Rodolpho Toski Marques (PR)
Assistants: Bruno Boschilia (PR) and Victor Hugo Imazu dos Santos (PR)
Yellow cards: Kannemann (GRE), Brenno (GRE), Rafinha (GRE), Thiago Maia (FLA), Borja (GRE), Renê (FLA) and Rodrigues (GRE)
Goals: Pedro (33'2nd half and 41'2nd half).