Forever for you! Flamengo defeats Madureira 2-0 in the Taça Guanabara.
Flamengo's goals came in the second half with goals from Gabigol and Pedro.
By Romulo Paranhos - in
On the day that marked one year since the tragic accident at Ninho do Urubu, Flamengo took to the field for the final round of the 2020 Taça Guanabara. At the Maracanã, where the fans paid tribute to the ten young players from Ninho who died in the fire, Flamengo beat Madureira 2-0 and secured qualification for the semifinals of the competition. The goals for Flamengo were scored by Gabigol and Pedro, both in the second half.
The game
The match began with a fierce midfield battle. Flamengo, with greater ball possession, exchanged passes in Madureira's half, searching for openings to score. In the 11th minute, Flamengo had its first clear chance. Gabigol received a pass from Bruno Henrique and shot, but the goalkeeper made a good save to prevent the first goal. In the 19th minute, Arão crossed the ball into the edge of the area for Gabigol, who headed it towards goal, forcing a great save from the goalkeeper. Flamengo continued to pressure the suburban team and wasted several opportunities. The first half ended in a draw.
The second half began with Flamengo pressing Madureira. Exploiting plays down the flanks, Mengão created several scoring opportunities, but the suburban team managed to hold firm defensively, preventing the score from being opened. At 15 minutes, Flamengo scored to the delight of the fans. Rafinha lifted the ball into the area, Bruno Henrique tried to finish, the ball hit the goalkeeper and fell to Gabigol who put it into the net: 1-0. After the goal, Flamengo kept possession in midfield looking for openings in Madureira's deep-lying defense. In the final moments, there was still time for one more. Michael received the ball on the right, outpaced his marker and crossed back. The ball came towards Pedro, who volleyed it home to score and seal Flamengo's 2-0 victory.
With this result, Flamengo has qualified for the Guanabara Cup semifinals and awaits its opponent in the next phase.
Flamengo lineup
Diego Alves, Rafinha, Gustavo Henrique, Léo Pereira, Renê; Willian Arão, Gerson (Diego), De Arrascaeta (Pedro), Everton Ribeiro (Michael), Bruno Henrique; Gabriel Barbosa.