📹 Paquetá scores, Fla knock out Botafogo and reach Cariocão semi-finals | OneFootball

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

The first half of the classic brought together two different playing styles.

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

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

Botafogo tried to play out through the middle, but Vitão stole the ball from Matheus Martins and immediately passed it to Bruno Henrique, who assisted Lucas Paquetá to finish from the edge of the box and beat Neto.

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

After the break, Botafogo quickly managed to equalize.

After goalkeeper Andrew made a two-step save on Newton's long-range shot, defender Alexander Barboza headed in the corner taken by Alex Telles.

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

However, in the final stretch, as penalties were approaching, Arrascaeta took a corner, Emerson Royal flicked it in the middle of the box, and Pulgar—free at the far post—had to head the ball twice to secure Flamengo's victory.

🚦 What's next

With this qualification, Flamengo will face Madureira in two semifinal matches.

In the other bracket, Vasco awaits the winner of Fluminense or Bangu, who play this Monday (16th) at Maracanã.

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

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

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.