Flamengo confirmed its favoritism and opened up an advantage in the third phase of the Copa do Brasil. On Wednesday night, they beat Amazonas 1-0 at Maracanã, in Rio, with a goal from Pedro. Despite the result, the performance did not please the more than 39 thousand fans, who booed the team after the final whistle. The match also marked the return of Gabigol.
Suspended at the end of March for trying to cheat the anti-doping test, the player was granted a suspension pending a new trial. Gabigol entered 18 minutes into the second half, replacing De la Cruz. The return match is scheduled for May 22, Wednesday, at 9:30 pm, at Arena da Amazônia, in Manaus (AM).
Flamengo plays for a draw. Amazonas needs to win with two goals. If you win by just one, the decision goes to penalties. Playing at home, it didn’t take long for Flamengo to prevail over Amazonas. After five minutes, De La Cruz was already frightening with a shot from outside the area. Applying the pressure they are used to, the Rio team opened the scoring with Pedro, at 19. Viña scored with Bruno Henrique and crossed just enough for the number 9 to try and find the back of the net.
In the second half, the score could have been increased, but Lorran wasted an excellent cross from Bruno Henrique, shooting over the top. Viña and Matheus Gonçalves also took risks from outside the area, but without success. By participating in the third phase, the teams have already guaranteed an additional R$2.205 million in prizes.
Whoever advances to the round of 16 wins an additional R$3.465 million. Flamengo returns to the field on Saturday, at 6:30 pm, against Red Bull Bragantino, in Bragança Paulista (SP), in the fifth round of the Brasileirão. Amazonas will play on Monday, at 8pm, against Ponte Preta, in Campinas (SP), in the third round of Series B of the Brazilian Championship.
