The first half of the 2016 Brazilian Championship is over for Flamengo. The Rubro-Negro are currently in second place in the competition with 34 points, just two behind the leader. With half the tournament already completed, we decided to look back at all of Flamengo's matches in the Brasileirão.

Flamengo debuted in the competition with a victory over Sport at the Raulino de Oliveira stadium, with a goal by Éverton five minutes into the first half. The attacking midfielder hadn't played since March and returned in great style. The match also marked the last time coach Muricy Ramalho managed the team. In the following game, Flamengo faced Grêmio away from home and ended up being defeated by a single goal. The team was then managed by Jayme de Almeida. In the next round, they drew 2-2 against Chapecoense in Volta Redonda. Felipe Vizeu and Alan Patrick scored the goals. At this point, the club was in sixth place in the Brasileirão (Brazilian Championship).

In the fourth round, Flamengo won again. This time, the Rubro-Negro defeated Ponte Preta 2-1 at Moisés Lucarelli stadium, with a spectacular goal from full-back Jorge and an own goal by Felipe Azevedo. In the following game, the "Greatest in the World" achieved its third victory in the competition, its second in a row. This time, the victim was Vitória. Playing in Volta Redonda, the "Most Beloved" won against the Bahia team 1-0, with a goal from youngster Felipe Vizeu, Guerrero's substitute, who was at the Copa América representing the Peruvian national team. In the sixth round, a game at Mané Garrincha stadium in Brasília resulted in a 2-1 defeat to Palmeiras. The game was marked by an unusual play by defender César Martins who, to prevent the opponent's goal, made a beautiful save.

Next, a match against Figueirense away from home. Flamengo dominated, but were stopped by the opposing goalkeeper. 1-0 for the opposing team. Second consecutive defeat and fifth place in the tournament. After the defeat, Flamengo faced Cruzeiro at Mineirão and won 1-0, breathing easier once more in the competition. Réver, who hadn't played for more than two months, immediately showed his homegrown talent in his debut. In front of 18 people, he attempted three headers before scoring and sealing the victory for Flamengo. In the ninth round, a lively game and a draw against São Paulo at Mané Garrincha. Twice the São Paulo team took the lead, but Flamengo reacted quickly, equalizing with an own goal by Rodrigo Caio and then with a goal from Willian Arão. Superior to their rival, Flamengo came close to victory several times, but in the end Alan Patrick missed a penalty in stoppage time, keeping the score at 2-2. 

In the tenth round, a 1-0 victory over Santa Cruz at Arruda. With an excellent performance from goalkeeper Alex Muralha and a goal from Willian Arão, Flamengo was in fourth place with 17 points. In the following game, a defeat in the derby against Fluminense. In an exciting game at Arena das Dunas, in Natal, Flamengo was better in the first half, but missed chances and saw their rival win the match. In the 12th game of the 2016 Brasileirão, a victory over Internacional at Kléber Andrade, in Cariacica. A packed stadium, a blackout for almost six minutes, a goal, numerous chances. There was no shortage of ingredients for a good game between Flamengo and Internacional. Flamengo came out on top, winning 1-0, with a goal from Ederson, his first of the season. 

In the following match, a bucket of cold water, a 4-0 defeat to Corinthians in São Paulo. Flamengo was better in the first half, but saw their rival score four goals in the second half. To erase the pain suffered against the São Paulo team, the "Mais Querido" (Most Beloved) went all out against Atlético-MG in Brasília. With great will and determination, Mengão (Flamengo) beat their rival 2-0, with two goals from striker Felipe Vizeu. In the 15th round, Flamengo almost spoiled the opening party at Arena Botafogo, the club's new home in the Brazilian Championship. A great game against Botafogo ended in a 3-3 draw. Éverton, Jorge, and Guerrero scored. In the following match, the "Maior do Mundo" (Greatest in the World) faced América-MG in Cariacica and won 2-1. Flamengo extended their unbeaten streak in the Brasileirão to three games. With a consistent start to the second half, Flamengo imposed themselves and sank even further to the bottom of the table. Guerrero and Alan Patrick, from the penalty spot, secured the victory for Flamengo.

As the first round drew to a close, Flamengo faced Coritiba at Couto Pereira in the 17th round and secured an excellent 2-0 away victory. The goals were scored by forwards Paolo Guerrero and Marcelo Cirino. A highlight was Mancuello's excellent pass that broke the deadlock in the match in the Paraná capital. It was the second time the number 9 had scored in three consecutive matches. In the following game, a goalless draw against Santos at Arena Pantanal. Despite creating chances and playing well, Flamengo couldn't find the net. In the final match of the first round, a 1-0 victory over Atlético-PR at Kléber de Andrade. Argentinian Mancuello capitalized on a shot by Fernandinho, finishing with a backheel to score a fantastic goal and give Flamengo the provisional lead in the competition.

In the first game of the second round, Flamengo will face Sport, in Recife, on Saturday (13), at 16 pm.