Flamengo beat Atlético-MG at Maracanã, extend lead over Cruzeiro | OneFootball

Flamengo took the lead in the Brasileirão after victory against Atlético-MG

Flamengo took to the field on Sunday night (27), when they defeated Atlético-MG, 1-0, in a match valid for the 17th round of the Brasileirão. With the result, the Most Beloved reassumed and isolated itself at the top of the Brazilian Championship, as it reached 36 points in the standings.

How was the first half?

At 5 minutes into the first half, Flamengo's defense got confused in the penalty area. This is because, Viña badly passed back to Rossi, and Rony faced the red-black goalkeeper. In the meantime, Atlético-MG's number 33 stole the ball and shot at the open goal. However, Varela positioned himself on the line and saved the ball from entering.

Trying to pressure Atlético-MG, Flamengo had a good approach at 20 minutes. This is because Pedro appeared on the right side of the attack and passed to Bruno Henrique at the edge of the area. Next, number 27 fooled the marker, shot with his left, but the ball went out after having passed close to the goal.

And the unmarked penalty?

In summary, at 27 minutes into the first half, Flamengo had a clear penalty ignored by referee Ramon Abatti Abel. In the play, Pedro made a beautiful individual move and infiltrated for Bruno Henrique in the area. With that, from behind, Fla's number 27 was knocked down by Junior Aloson and fell inside Atlético-MG's area. Despite the red-black players' request for a penalty, the referee let the match continue.

Was there another controversy involving the refereeing?

Yes! Right at 35 minutes, Plata received the ball at the edge of the area, passed by Fausto and was fouled. The referee marked a penalty, but after a lengthy VAR check, he cancelled the penalty. In the play, the Atlético-MG player received a yellow card and caused outrage among Flamengo's players, who demanded expulsion for the foul on the 'last man'.

Indeed, before the first half ended, Flamengo had another penalty ignored by referee Ramon Abatti Abel. This is because Arrascaeta was pushed inside the area, with his back to the Atlético-MG player. However, even so, the referee let the play continue.

And in the second half? Did Flamengo open the scoring?

It's important to highlight that the second half started much less dynamic compared to the first. Despite this, Flamengo continued trying to maintain ball possession in the attacking field. However, at 29 minutes, the Most Beloved opened the scoring with a beautiful goal by Léo Ortiz. In the play, Luiz Araújo took a free kick in Atlético-MG's small area and the 'number 10 of the defense' headed firmly into the goal, making it 1-0.

Who is the leader of the Brasileirão?

With the victory against Atlético-MG, Flamengo not only reassumed but isolated itself at the top of the Brasileirão. This is because, the team led by Filipe Luís reached 36 points. Cruzeiro, the vice-leader, lost the 17th round 2-1 to Ceará and remained with 34, falling to second place.

What is Flamengo's next match?

Now, Flamengo turns the key to focus on the Copa do Brasil dispute. This is because, on Thursday (31), the Most Beloved meets Atlético-MG again, for the round of 16 of the knockout tournament. The teams face each other again at Maracanã, starting at 9:30 pm (Brasília time).

MATCH DETAILS FLAMENGO x ATLÉTICO-MG

Competition: Brazilian Championship – 17th Round Location: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro Date: July 27, 2025, Sunday Time: 8:30 pm (Brasília time)

Flamengo: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Viña; Allan, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Bruno Henrique, Plata and Pedro. Coach: Filipe Luís.

Atlético-MG: Everson; Saravia, Igor Rabello, Alonso and Alan Franco; Gabriel Menino, Fausto Vera and Gustavo Scarpa; Cuello, Rony and Hulk. Coach: Cuca.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.