The only goal of the game was scored by Bruno Henrique in the 20th minute of the game. The away side was the better team in the first half, got on the mark and managed to keep their lead to the end.
In the second half, Athletico came out from the break hungrier and managed to press higher up the pitch, but was mainly stopped by the opposing side’s goalkeeper Hugo Souza who also saved a penalty played by Walter in the process.
With the 1-0 win, Flamengo can qualify for the next round with a draw in the second leg next Wednesday at Maracanã.
In case Athletico-PR manages to win with goal difference in Rio, the decisive tie breaker will be on penalty shootouts. The away goal rule, as of last two seasons, is no longer a tie breaker criterion in the Brazil Cup.
Ten matches into his Flamengo professional career, the 21-year-old goalkeeper was again decisive for the red-black team. Not only did the young goalkeeper save at least three good shots on target, Hugo Souza also caught Walter’s penalty in the 76th minutes, securing his side a firm victory and keeping Athletico-PR at bay.
Bruno Henrique on the other hand scored an important goal for Flamengo. With the only goal scored in the game against Athletico-PR, “Rei da América” has now made it 50 goals in the red-black shirt, reaching 15 goal this season already only behind Gabigol (16) and Pedro (17) in the race to the golden boot.
Athletico has now gone nine matches without a win this season after the defeat against Flamengo.
Athletico faces Sport next Sunday in Ilha do Retiro for the 19th round of the Brazilian Championship. while Flamengo hosts São Paulo at Maracanã.
