📹 Paquetá scores, Flamengo send Botafogo out, reach semis | OneFootball

At the Nilton Santos Stadium, Flamengo defeated Botafogo 2-1 this Sunday (15), in the quarter-finals of the Cariocão 2026.

The first half of the classic match showcased different playing styles.

While the Rubro-Negro pressed the rival from the defensive field, the Glorioso sought quick transitions to try to surprise the opponent.

Despite few clear goal chances, Flamengo was slightly superior in the initial stage and opened the scoring with high pressing.

Botafogo tried to play through the middle, but Vitão stole the ball from Matheus Martins and quickly passed to Bruno Henrique, who assisted Lucas Paquetá to finish from the edge of the area, beating Neto.

It was the midfielder's first goal since returning to the Rubro-Negro, although the alvinegro players complained about a foul by Vitão.

After the break, Botafogo didn't take long to equalize.

After goalkeeper Andrew saved Newton's long-range shot in two attempts, defender Alexander Barboza headed in the corner kick taken by Alex Telles.

The equalizer gave new energy to the Glorioso, who almost managed to turn the game around with young midfielder Arthur Novaes, after a backheel pass from Montoro.

However, in the final stretch, as penalties loomed, Arrascaeta took a corner, Emerson Royal deflected it in the middle of the area, and Pulgar - free at the far post - had to head twice to secure Flamengo's victory.

🚦 What's next

With the qualification, Flamengo will face Madureira in two semi-final matches.

In the other bracket, Vasco awaits Fluminense or Bangu, who face each other this Monday (16), at Maracanã.

The Rubro-Negro returns to the field next Thursday (19), when they face Lanús, for the Recopa Sudamericana.

Meanwhile, the Glorioso, who have accumulated five consecutive defeats this season, visit Nacional Potosí in Bolivia for the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Conmebol Libertadores 2026.

Featured photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flickr C.R. Flamengo

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