Flamengo damage Atlético title challenge on Ronaldinho return

Flamengo beat title challenging Atlético Mineiro 2-1 at the Engenhão on Wednesday night to move themselves clear of the relegation zone and damage the visitors title ambitions.

Goals from Vagner Love and Liédson secured the win for the Rubro-Negro on a night that witnessed a rare sell-out in Rio de Janeiro, with spectators flocking to witness the return of Ronaldinho following his acrimonious departure from the club in May.

Striker Jo had grabbed an equaliser for the visitors early in the second-half, following Love's opener, but the challenge was made tougher for the Belo Horizonte side by the dismissal of star defender Réver for striking the face of Flamengo's Gonzalez.

Flamengo eventually made the breakthough and it was Liédson, for the second time in two matches, who secured all three points for the Carioca giants, on a night that meant so much to the supporters.

Post-match, Flamengo's players were quick to praise the fans for their support on the night - a welcome change from the disappointing 9,000 average attendance of the season so far.

"Flamengo showed that we are Flamengo. When we have the support of the fans, that's it, we can beat anybody," celebrated Vagner Love.