Just a few days after losing on penalties to Fluminense in the final of the Rio Cup, the Rubro-Negro were able to get their revenge with a victory. Flamengo were quick on the counter and broke the deadlock through Pedro on 28 minutes. The striker took a shot that deflected on a Fluminense defender as the ball went in.
In the second half, Odair Hellmann’s men leveled matters through Evanilson in the 68th minute. Just as the game looked to be going for a draw, Flamengo’s winning goal came seven minutes later as Micheal beat the Flu defense and sealed the win for Jorge Jesus.
However, the game was not without its own share of controversy. There was late drama when Gabigol was given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card for time-wasting as he was being substituted in stoppage time.
It is a blow for Jorge Jesus as it means Gabigol is now out of the second game of the final, on Wednesday also in Maracanã.
After the game, there was further controversy as both managers were not pleased with the refereeing decisions and went to voice their complaints.
Jorge Jesus was not pleased with the red card to Gabigol, and Odair Hellmann wanted more time for additions than the mere three minutes given.
Regardless, Jorge Jesus maintained that he was pleased to get a win and shared his thoughts. “Important to have won. In the dispute for a trophy, we go to the second game with an advantage,” Jesus said.
If they can hold on to their advantage, Flamengo will be crowned Campeonato Carioca champions on Wednesday.
