Flamengo seize on leaders' slip-up, win and focus on Libertadores

Flamengo took the field this Sunday (9) knowing about Palmeiras’ stumble.

They needed to beat their Copa do Brasil nemesis to take advantage of their main rival’s draw in the Brasileirão.

And they came out on top, winning 2-0 with goals from Pulgar and Bruno Henrique.

The clash took place at the Maracanã and was valid for the 22nd round of the competition. 

Check out the highlights soon. 

Stunner and dominance

The first half was all Flamengo, dominant from the very first minute.

It was up to Pulgar to score a beauty with a strike from outside the box (14′).

And Léo Pereira only didn’t make it two thanks to Lucas Arcanjo.

What was missing, however, was a bit more sharpness to make the lead bigger before halftime.

Vitória, meanwhile, failed to create any danger. Their limited possession produced little. 

Tension and a decisive BH27

Jair Ventura’s team did manage to move the ball better after the break.

But without creating any real danger. 

Flamengo still controlled the game, but without “killing it off.”

The goal that brought calm came in the 80th minute.

Six minutes after coming on, Bruno Henrique delivered.

📊 Standings and schedule 📅

Flamengo moved to 42 points with a game in hand. 

They are now six points behind Palmeiras.

They will be back in action on Wednesday (12), when they visit Cruzeiro at Mineirão.

It will be the first leg of the Libertadores round of 16.

On Sunday (16), the challenge will be Mirassol at Maião in the league.

Vitória, meanwhile, remain on 26 points, in 13th place. They are still without an away win. 

They now turn their focus to Botafogo, their opponent next Sunday (16) at Barradão.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.