Flamengo played with great energy and defeated leaders Grêmio 2-1 this Thursday night at Maracanã. Maxi and Toró scored the goals that put the team from Gávea in sixth place in the Brazilian Championship, with 35 points. The Rubro-Negro's next game will be on Sunday, against Internacional, at Beira-Rio.

The game began with Flamengo attacking the team from Rio Grande do Sul. In the 12th minute, Airton took a shot, the defense cleared it, and Marcelinho Paraíba had the red-and-black team's first chance. Grêmio responded in the 20th minute, with Souza's long-range shot that flew just wide of Bruno's post.

Four minutes later, Marcelinho received the ball on the left wing and crossed from the edge of the box to Léo Moura, who fired over Victor's goal. In the 26th minute, Juan fired a powerful shot, Victor couldn't keep it in, and Maxi scored Flamengo's first goal: 1-0 at the Maracanã.

Even with the goal, Caio Júnior's team didn't slow down and continued to dominate the match. In the 36th minute, Perea lifted the ball into the box, and Marcel headed it dangerously. Flamengo almost extended their lead in the 41st minute. Juan received the ball from Marcelinho Paraíba and fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box, forcing Victor to make a good save.

In the second half, the Gaucho team stepped up their game and began to threaten Bruno's goal more. In the 15th minute, Marcelinho Paraíba fired a shot from the right, but the ball sailed over Victor's goal.

Celso Roth's team was dangerous from set pieces, but Bruno was very confident in aerial balls.

After a great play by Ibson, Maxi had a chance to extend the lead in the six-yard box, but Grêmio's defense cleared it for a corner. In the 30th minute, Makelele shot from distance, and Bruno made a good save. Seven minutes later, Souza hit a powerful free kick to tie the match at Maracanã: 1-1.

With the goal conceded, Flamengo set out in search of victory. Playing with great determination, Caio Júnior's team was rewarded in the 42nd minute. Marcelinho Paraíba took a shot, the defense didn't clear it, and Toró secured the victory for Flamengo: 2-1 at the Maracanã.

TECHNICAL SHEET:\ FLAMENGO 2 X 1 GRÊMIO\

Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/time: 8/21/2008 - 20:30 p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Wilson Luiz Seneme (Fifa-SP)\ Assistants: Ednilson Corona (SP) and Roberto Braatz (PR)\ Revenue/attendance: R$ 497.038,00 / 28.617 paying spectators\ Yellow cards: Jean, Pereira, William Magrão (GRE); Toró (FLA)\ Red cards: none.\

GOALS: Maxi, 26'/1st half (1-0); Souza, 37'/2nd half (1-1); Toró, 40'/2nd half (2-1)

FLAMENGO: Bruno, Jailton, Fabio Luciano and Ronaldo Angelim; Leo Moura, Airton (Toró, 29'/2nd half), Ibson, Kleberson (Obina, 29'/2nd half) and Juan; Maxi (Jônatas, 36'/2nd half) and Marcelinho Paraíba. Coach: Caio Junior.

GRÊMIO: Victor, Jean (Reinaldo, 27'/2nd half), Pereira and Réver; Souza, Rafael Carioca, William Magrão, Tcheco and Anderson Pico (André Luiz, 18'/2nd half); Perea (Makelele, half-time) and Marcel. Coach: Celso Roth.

photo: lancenet.com.br