OneFootball
Thomas Stockting·13 March 2022
OneFootball
Thomas Stockting·13 March 2022
Scorers: de Arrascaeta 10′, Gabi 15′, 90+4, Pereira 45′, 83′, França 75′
Flamengo gave out a statement of intent on Saturday as Paulo Sousa’s men dismantled Bangu to move within two points of Fluminese and seven points above Botafogo.
The Mengao’s attacking options looked threatening all night and it only took them 10-minutes to open the score. Gabriel Barbosa (Gabi) lead a swift counter-attack down the right flank before sliding in the overlapping Matheuzinho.
The Brazilian defender cut returned the ball to Gabi and despite scuffing his shot the ball was calmly slotted in at the back post by Giorgian de Arrascaeta.
Despite his scuffed effort in the build-up to the opener, the 26-year-old striker would prove clinical on the night scoring the Rubo Negro’s second and last goal.
His first, a well-placed shot between Paulo Henrique’s legs after an incisive through-ball by Éverton Ribeiro. The second was much easier, tapping in from close range from Mauricio Isla’s cross.
Between Gabi’s two goals Flamengo found the net a further three times. Defender Léo Pereira demonstrated his dominance from set-pieces with two goals from corner routines.
The cherry on the cake for the Mengao was the fourth goal. The ball broke to youngster Matheus França on the edge of the area and his low drive was deflected over a helpless Henrique to claim his first professional goal for Flamengo.