Flamengo and Cruzeiro played out a lively 1-1 draw at the Engenhão on Saturday night that encapsulated both team’s seasons so far, with a solitary point aiding neither side achieve their ambitions.
- Players of both sides bemoan decisions
- Adriano misses training after night out
- Liédson: Fla must improve off the field
Flamengo took the lead through an early goal from veteran forward Liédson that was quickly equalised by Cruzeiro full-back Everton, in the 19th minute. Flamengo, though, would later see a second Liédson goal chalked-off for a controversial offside.
With both teams deprived of several first-team players through injury and suspension, it was Flamengo who started strongest, spreading the ball around the pitch with speed and intent in the early minutes.
Indeed, when Liédson handed the Rubro-Negro the advantage after just ten minutes, Cruzeiro could not argue that they had not been second-best up to that point.
They could argue, however, that there had been a handball in the build-up. Ramon’s cross from the left appeared to strike the hand of Vagner Love as he laid the ball off for the former Sporting Lisbon striker to smash home.
Not to worry, though, as the Mineiro giants were soon level through left-back Everton. The defender burst in unmarked at the far-post to head home a tantalising cross from Alejandro Martinuccio to even the game up at 1-1.
Cruzeiro would then go on to have the better of the first-half, with Felipe making two fine saves to keep Flamengo in the game at half-time. It was at the break that Dorival Junior introduced young star Adryan to replace the veteran Léo Moura in the hosts’ midfield.
In the second-half, Flamengo were much improved and applied great pressure in an attempt to get the three points needed to drag them further clear of the relegation zone. Their opponents, though, proved stubborn.
Flamengo did eventually find the net with five minutes of the game remaining, as Liédson turned in a Vagner Love header from a corner. However, as the players began to celebrate their late winner, the goal was disallowed for offside – much to the disgust of the home crowd.
A point apiece at the Engenhão and both sides stumble on in their ultimately disappointing campaigns.
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FLAMENGO: Felipe, Wellington Silva, Frauches, Renato Santos, Ramon; Aírton (Luiz Antônio), Ibson (Wellington Bruno), Leo Moura (Adryan), Cleber Santana; Liedson, Vagner Love. Coach: Dorival Júnior
CRUZEIRO: Fabio, Ceará, Leo, Mateus, Everton (Diego Renan); Leandro Guerreiro, Marcelo Oliveira, Willian Magrão (Charles), Montillo; Martinuccio (Elber), Anselmo Ramon. Coach: Celso Roth
Goals: Liédson 11′; Everton 19′
