The classic between Flamengo and Botafogo was very busy in the intense heat at MaracanãVitor Silva / Botafogo
Published 04/28/2024 13:01 | Updated 04/28/2024 13:10
The classic this Sunday morning (28), at Maracanã, was busy, but with few clear chances. Given this scenario, whoever showed the most technique to take advantage of what they created won. It was Botafogo, who counted on a rehearsed play and a beautiful first shot from Luiz Henrique to open the scoring, and then on Savarino to make it 2-0 and end Flamengo’s 12-match unbeaten run in games against rivals Rio.
Coincidentally, the last victory was precisely for Glorioso, who scored 3-2 over Rubro-Negro in the first round of the 2023 Brasileirão. As a bonus, Artur Jorge’s team provisionally took the lead in the 2024 edition, with nine points in four rounds, but you need to wait for the games at 6:30 pm for Red Bull Bragantino and Athletico-PR, who face Fortaleza and Juventude away from home, respectively.
With maximum strength and rested holders, Flamengo was physical in the first half and showed more intensity under the strong heat at 11am at Maracanã. Tite’s team scored under pressure and managed to disrupt the ball from Botafogo who didn’t find himself and couldn’t stay in the attack.
Without Tiquinho, coach Artur Jorge, who removed Jeffinho and added Savarino, alternated between the more centralized Eduardo and Luiz Henriquebut Glorioso only faced danger in counterattacks, such as the run by Júnior Santos, who made a good individual play, but ended up blocked by De La Cruz.
Rubro-Negro, despite their dominance, there was a goal well disallowed by Bruno Henriquedue to impediment, at 11, and created few chances . The best of them was a shot by Luiz Araújo that went close to the post, after a great collective play. The team even had good moments exchanging quick passes, but failed on the last pass or completion.
Second time
O classic changed completely in the second half. Botafogo returned more organized, especially in midfield, which allowed them to keep the ball more and also put pressure on Flamengo, who lost Pulgar, with a sprained left ankle, and also control of the actions.
More in attack, Glorioso opened the scoring with a beautiful rehearsed play. After a corner, Luiz Henrique shot first time, unmarked from the edge of the area, to make it 1-0, at 7 minutes. At the celebration, put a Black Panther mask on his face. Luckily he didn’t receive a yellow card, as minutes later he was cautioned for a harsher foul.
It was the password for coaches to change players worn out by the heat. The game then got a new look, with Rubro-Negro trying, unsuccessfully, to create. He was only in danger from a cross in which Fabrício Bruno rose higher than Bastos, but the ball went close to the post. And he still lost Arrascaeta, with pain in his right thigh. His replacement, Lorran, also came close to the goal, but his header went wide.
Botafogo held on well, with a line of six behind, looking for a counterattack. And they came. First, in a beautiful play, with Savarino and Tchê Tchê, who played for Jeffinho, alone in the small area, to shoot and Rossi to defend. But the goalkeeper couldn’t do anything in stoppage time, when Diego Hernández stole the ball from Fabrício Bruno and Jeffinho played for Savarino, alone, to expand. Flamengo complained about a lack of defender, but the goal was confirmed.
Flamengo 0 x 2 Botafogo
Local: Maracanã (RJ).
Referee: Raphael Claus (FIFA/SP).
Goals: Luiz Henrique, at 7min/2ndQ (0-1), and Savarino, at 47min/2ndQ (0-2).
Yellow cards: De La Cruz (FLA); Savarino, Danilo Barbosa, Luiz Henrique, Jeffinho (BOT).
Flamengo: Rossi, Varela (Wesley), Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas (Viña); Erick Pulgar (Allan), De La Cruz and Arrascaeta (Lorran); Bruno Henrique, Luiz Araújo (Gerson) and Pedro. Coach: Tite.
Botafogo: John, Damián Suárez, Lucas Halter, Bastos (Alexander Barboza) and Hugo; Danilo Barbosa (Gregore), Marlon Freitas and Eduardo (Tchê Tchê); Luiz Henrique (Jeffinho), Savarino and Júnior Santos (Diego Hernández). Coach: Artur Jorge.
