Varela ends drought, hails win that sent Flamengo clear at top | OneFootball

Uruguayan found the net after more than a year without scoring for Flamengo

Flamengo beat Red Bull Bragantino this Sunday (20), 2-1, in the 28th round of the Brasileirão. Scorer of the Rubro-Negro’s first goal, Guillermo Varela highlighted the importance of the win to open up a gap after Palmeiras’ slip-up.

— We knew it was important to come away with the win, knowing that Palmeiras drew. Opening up this three-point gap was very important, and I’m also happy about the goal -, said Varela in an interview in the mixed zone.

How did Varela’s goal happen?

Varela’s goal came in the 12th minute of the first half. On the play, Carrascal received the ball on the left side of Flamengo’s attack and then crossed into the Bragantino box. The Uruguayan then appeared out of nowhere between the opposing center-backs and redirected it with his right foot into the back of the net.

Varela had gone a year without scoring for Flamengo

Varela had not found the net since September 18, 2025. The Uruguayan scored Flamengo’s second goal in the 2-1 win over Estudiantes (ARG) in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. Asked about ending the drought, the full-back said the ‘taboo’ was not a problem.

— If I look at the last two games, yes, because I was right in front of goal. But it’s not something that bothers me; if I stop a goal, I’m happier than if I score one. We have many quality players up front who can score, so it’s not something that bothers me. If it comes, it’s welcome (laughs) -, he added.

What is Flamengo’s situation in the Brasileirão?

With the win over Bragantino, Flamengo pulled clear at the top of the Brasileirão and reached 60 points. Palmeiras slipped up this Sunday (20) by drawing 0-0 with Grêmio at the Rio Grande do Sul side’s home ground and now have 57. As a result, Mengão heads into the FIFA international break riding a comfortable advantage in the table.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

Flamengo will have 18 days to rest before their next match of 2026 because of the FIFA international break. Leonardo Jardim’s team will therefore return to the field only on October 8 against Santos at Vila Belmiro in the 29th round of the Brasileirão.

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