Defence falters twice, Flamengo lose opener to São Paulo | OneFootball

In a Comeback, Flamengo Lost to Sao Paulo at Morumbi

Terrible start to the Brasileirão for Flamengo. This Wednesday (28), the reigning champions lost to São Paulo, in a comeback, at Morumbi, by 2-1. Gonzalo Plata opened the scoring, but Luciano and Danielzinho secured the victory for the home team in the opening match of the competition.

HOW WAS THE FIRST HALF?

The match started with very clear strategies from both teams. Flamengo had more possession, while São Paulo was completely closed off, with a line of five in defense, waiting for a Flamengo mistake to counterattack.

At 13 minutes, the first good chance for Flamengo. Everton Cebolinha delivered a magnificent pass to Carrascal, who found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Rafael. However, the Colombian rushed his shot and missed the target. Cebolinha was on fire! At 17’, the number 11 shot from outside the box, forcing the keeper to push it out for a corner.

São Paulo finally found an attack at the 19th minute. Luciano received a through ball, took a shot, Léo Pereira deflected it, and the ball went just wide of Rossi’s post, who could only hope. After that play, the home team improved slightly, but without causing much danger. Meanwhile, Mengo continued with more possession, but couldn’t break through the opponent’s defense.

HOW WAS THE SECOND HALF?

The first shot of the second half came from São Paulo. Two minutes in, Marcos Antônio made a good play down the left and passed to Bobadilla, who shot at goal, but Rossi held on. However, it was Mengão who opened the scoring!

At nine minutes, Alex Sandro crossed into the box, Pedro delivered a beautiful chest pass to Plata who, unmarked and alone, simply slotted past goalkeeper Rafael to open the scoring. Mengão 1-0 at Morumbi! However, the red-and-black joy was short-lived. At 15’, after a cross into the box, Luciano rose between Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro, headed the ball into the net and leveled the score.

The goal gave São Paulo a boost, and it didn’t take long for them to turn the game around. At 25 minutes, Luciano reached the byline, crossed into the box and Pulgar made a poor clearance. As a result, the ball fell to Danielzinho, completely unmarked, who turned the match around.

In the final stretch, Flamengo tried to equalize by piling on the pressure, sending many balls into the box, but lacked creativity. São Paulo, staying compact, managed to hold on and secured the three points in the first round of the Brasileirão. In the last play, Arrascaeta still missed an open goal, after a great save by Rafael from a Plata header.

WHEN IS FLAMENGO’S NEXT MATCH?

In summary, Flamengo returns to the field next Sunday (01), for the Supercopa do Brasil, against Corinthians. The match kicks off at 4pm (Brasília time), at Mané Garrincha Stadium, in the federal capital. Of course, Coluna do Fla will be there for the big final.

MATCH DETAILS SÃO PAULO 2X1 FLAMENGO Competition: Campeonato Brasileiro, first round Venue: Morumbi Stadium, São Paulo Date: January 28, 2026 Goals: Plata 9’/2nd, Luciano 15’/2nd, Danielzinho 25/2nd

São Paulo: Rafael; Maik, Alan Franco, Sabino, Arboleda and Enzo Díaz; Danielzinho, Marcos Antônio and Bobadilla; Luciano and Calleri. Coach: Hernán Crespo.

Flamengo: Agustín Rossi, Guillermo Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Erick Pulgar, Evertton Araújo and Jorge Carrascal, Gonzalo Plata, Everton Cebolinha and Pedro. Coach: Filipe Luís.

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