In a great match, Flamengo showed great grit and pulled off a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Sporting this Saturday at the Maracanã Stadium, in a match valid for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship. The big win kept Flamengo in the top four with 4 points, increasingly dreaming of a sixth Brazilian championship.

Pushed by the red-and-black crowd, Flamengo launched an attack in the opening minutes, but was met by the strong defense of Nelsinho Baptista's team. Flamengo's first good chance came in the 16th minute, with Marcelinho Paraíba taking a long-range free kick. Eight minutes later, Andrade took a free kick, and the ball fell to Dutra, who missed a great opportunity.

In the 28th minute, referee Ricardo Marques Ribeiro signaled a dubious foul on Juan, just outside the penalty area. After the free kick, Marcelinho Paraíba took a shot, and Magrão saved Sport. The team from Gávea continued to press, but the first half ended in a scoreless draw.

After the restart for the second half, coach Caio Júnior took off Josiel and brought on Obina. Two minutes in, Léo Moura made a good run down the right and crossed for Obina, who headed dangerously. Soon after, Marcelinho Paraíba sent a cross-shot that César cleared off the line.

Everton felt pain and had to be replaced by Sambueza. In the fourth minute, Roger took a shot from the edge of the box, and Bruno made a good save. Five minutes later, Carlinhos Bala took a corner from the right, Bruno was poorly cleared, and Roger finished at the far post: 1-0 Sport.

In the 17th minute, Marcelinho Paraíba challenged Magrão and nearly equalized for Flamengo. Under heavy rain, Flamengo fought hard for an equalizer, but the condition of the pitch, the anxiety, and Sport's defensive impetus made things difficult for the Flamengo attack.

In the 28th minute, Caio Júnior replaced Ibson with Vandinho, a change that would change the complexion of the match. In the 29th minute, Ronaldo Angelim headed the ball, but Magrão made another save for Sport.

In the 37th minute, Juan received a beautiful pass from Vandinho and shot past Magrão: 1-1 at the Maracanã. With the goal, Flamengo launched into an attack, cheered on by over forty thousand fans. In the 44th minute, Marcelinho Paraíba crossed from the right and Vandinho headed in: 2-1 Flamengo.

In the next round, Flamengo faces Náutico, on Saturday, October 4th, at 18:20 pm, in Recife.

TECHNICAL SHEET:\ FLAMENGO 2 X 1 SPORT\

Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)\ Date/time: 27/9/2008 - 18:20 p.m. (Brasília time)\ Referee: Ricardo Marques Ribeiro (MG)\ Assistants: Marcio Eustaquio Santiago (MG) and Wenderson Mozzer (MG)\ Revenue/attendance: R$677.363,00 / 40.812 paying spectators\ Yellow cards: Sambueza (FLA); Durval, Kássio, Andrade, Luciano Henrique and Junior Maranhão (SPT).\

GOALS: Roger, 9'/2nd half (0-1); Juan, 36'/2nd half (1-1); Vandinho, 44'/2nd half (2-1).

FLAMENGOCoach: Caio Junior.

SPORTSCoach: Nelsinho Batista.