In the 33rd round of the Brasileirao, Flamengo hosted Santos in an electrifying match that concluded with a score of 3-2 in favor of the home side. The defeat was a harsh blow for Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s squad, who had high hopes entering the match.
Flamengo opened the scoring midway through the first half when Léo Pereira struck a brilliant shot into the left corner of the goal at the 36-minute mark. Pereira initiated the play from the right wing, culminating in a clinical finish that caught Gabriel Nascimento Rezende Brazão off guard.
The hosts extended their lead shortly into the second half with Jorge Carrascal finding the net just 5 minutes after the break. Bruno Henrique added another to the tally in the 80th minute, solidifying Flamengo’s advantage.
Santos fought back valiantly, with Gabriel Bontempo scoring in the 88th minute and Lautaro Díaz adding another in stoppage time, yet it was too little too late.
Flamengo’s Giorgian De Arrascaeta missed a penalty in the 67th minute that could have increased their lead further, denying the team a more comfortable cushion.
Despite the loss, Santos defender Luan Peres stood out by clearing 8 dangerous balls, showing remarkable defensive prowess.
Flamengo’s coach, Filipe Kasmirski, deployed a tactical setup of 4-5-1 with Agustín Rossi in goal; Guillermo Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas forming the defense; and a midfield consisting of Erick Pulgar, Nicolás De La Cruz, Jorge Carrascal, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, and Samuel Lino, leaving Bruno Henrique as the lone striker.
On the other side, Juan Pablo Vojvoda organized his team in a 4-3-3 formation with Gabriel Brazão as the goalkeeper; Igor Vinícius, Zé Ivaldo, Luan Peres, and Souza in defense; a midfield trio of Willian Arão, João Schmidt, and Zé Rafael; and a forward line made up of Álvaro Barreal, Neymar, and Guilherme.
Referee Savio Pereira Sampaio oversaw the match, ensuring order on the pitch.
Next up, Flamengo will face Sport Recife on the road, while Santos will play at home against Palmeiras. For Flamengo, the match against their eternal rivals in the upcoming Fla-Flu classic will be a special encounter.
Following this match, Flamengo sits in second place in the standings with 68 points, while Santos finds itself struggling in the 17th position with 33 points.
Substitutions for Flamengo
66’ 2T – Nicolás De La Cruz went off for Saúl Ñíguez
67’ 2T – Jorge Carrascal was replaced by Luiz Araújo
79’ 2T – Samuel Lino was substituted for Everton Cebolinha
84’ 2T – Erick Pulgar was replaced by Evertton, Giorgian De Arrascaeta by Michael, and Neymar for Benjamín Rollheiser
88’ 2T – Ayrton Lucas came off for Matías Viña
Yellow Cards for Flamengo:
29’ 1T – Samuel Lino (simulation of a foul) and 30’ 2T – Giorgian De Arrascaeta (unsportsmanlike conduct)
Substitutions for Santos
61’ 2T – Luan Peres was substituted by Gabriel Bontempo
71’ 2T – Álvaro Barreal off for Lautaro Díaz and Zé Rafael out for Thaciano
85’ 2T – Guilherme was replaced by Robinho Júnior
95’ 2T – Souza substituted by Gonzalo Escobar
Yellow Cards for Santos:
35’ 1T – Neymar (insulting or disapproving of the referee) and 31’ 2T – Zé Ivaldo (unsportsmanlike conduct)