Flamengo gift Fluminense 2 goals, lose but stay top of the Brasileirão | OneFootball

With a Terrible First Half, Flamengo Couldn't React in the Second and Missed the Chance to Pull Ahead in the Lead

Flamengo missed a great opportunity to open up a big lead at the top of the Brasileirão. After Palmeiras drew 0-0 with Vitória, Mengão had the chance to go five points clear, but instead saw the gap shrink to two after a 2-1 defeat to Fluminense at Maracanã this Wednesday (19).

As a result, Flamengo remains with 71 points, compared to Palmeiras' 69, after 34 rounds. Both teams return to the field on Saturday (22), with Mengão hosting Bragantino at Maracanã. Meanwhile, Abel Ferreira's team will face Fluminense at Allianz Parque.

HOW WAS THE FIRST HALF?

The game started better for Fluminense. Just three minutes in, Canobbio received a pass between João Victor and Emerson Royal and found himself one-on-one with Rossi, but shot wide. However, Flamengo responded in the 10th minute, with Carrascal making a beautiful solo run, which ended with a save from Fábio.

The match remained intense. At 22 minutes, João Victor made a mistake playing out from the back, right at the edge of the box, giving the ball to Martinelli. However, the midfielder blasted it over, missing a great chance to open the scoring. Flamengo's defense was still asleep.

After a throw-in, Hércules received the ball with space in midfield and set it up for Acosta. The Argentine struck it brilliantly into the top corner of Rossi's goal to open the scoring at 24 minutes. Once again, Flamengo would falter.

João Victor, clearly nervous, played a terrible back pass to Rossi. The goalkeeper, who could have let the ball go out for a corner, tried to save it and ended up passing it straight to Serna, who scored into an empty net. Two-nil, at 33 minutes of the first half.

It was all Fluminense! At 39 minutes of the first half, Samuel Xavier received the ball with total freedom on the right side and shot hard, but Flamengo's defense managed to recover and cleared it for a corner.

HOW WAS THE SECOND HALF?

At halftime, Filipe Luís made an obvious change, taking off João Victor and bringing on Danilo. In addition, Juninho came on for Luiz Araújo. But it was still Fluminense who looked closer to scoring. At eight minutes, Serna missed a good chance with a placed shot.

At 11', a clear penalty was not given! Bruno Henrique was kicked by Thiago Silva inside the box, but referee Davi Lacerda simply let play continue. Flamengo robbed at Maracanã!

With Fluminense sitting back and Flamengo having an uninspired day, Filipe Luís' team couldn't create much. A scare came only at 25 minutes, with a beautiful shot from Everton Cebolinha, which went just wide of the top corner. At 35', Léo Pereira sent the ball into the box, and Juninho headed dangerously. Fábio made a great save.

On the rebound, Saúl unleashed a powerful right-footed shot. However, it was Renê who made the save. Since the full-back isn't a goalkeeper, the referee awarded a penalty. From the spot, Jorginho converted with great skill, pulled one back, and heated up Maracanã. However, there wasn't enough time for an equalizer.

WHEN IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

Flamengo won't have much time to rest. After all, next Saturday (22), the Rubro-Negro faces Bragantino in the 35th round of the Brasileirão. It will be Mengão's last game at Maracanã before heading off for the Copa Libertadores da América final. The match kicks off at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), with full coverage by Coluna do Fla.

MATCH DETAILS FLUMINENSE 2X1 FLAMENGO Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro, 34th round Venue: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro Date: November 19, 2025, Wednesday Goals: Acosta 24’/1st, Serna 33’/1st, Jorginho 39/2nd

Lineups

Fluminense: Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Thiago Silva, Freytes, and Renê; Martinelli, Hércules, and Lucho Acosta; Serna, Canobbio, and Everaldo. Coach: Luis Zubeldía.

Flamengo: Agustín Rossi, Emerson Royal, João Victor, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas; Erick Pulgar, Saúl, and Luiz Araújo; Samuel Lino, Carrascal, and Bruno Henrique. Coach: Filipe Luís.

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