Flamengo secured their first win in this season’s Copa Libertadores as they defeated Emelec 3-1 in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The Rio de Janeiro side were always in control of their Group 7 tie and the win moves them level on points with their opponents from last night.
Former Manchester City midfielder Elano opened the scoring at the Estádio do Maracanã with a set piece in the 11th minute to give Fla the perfect start.
They were unable to add to that lead during the rest of the first period but ten minutes after the break they grabbed the crucial second.
Hernane has been heavily linked with a move to Shanghai Shenhua but appeared for Mengão in the cup and showed his commitment was not in doubt.
Ex-Arsenal full back André Santos assisted Hernane’s who scored in the 55th minute and midway through the second half Emelec’s task was made even harder as Gabriel Achilier was sent off following two yellow cards.
Nine minutes later and Flamengo added their third and final goal as Víctor Cáceres set up Éverton.
Emelec got themselves on the scoresheet a couple of minutes from time as substitute Luis Miguel Escalada scored from long range but it was only a consolation.
It was an important victory for Flamengo and they host Bolívar next on March 13th.
