After completing three consecutive wins in the league, Flamengo drew blanks with Fortaleza on Saturday night at Castelão.
Both sides started the game pretty slow without much urgency.
The opening 25 minutes had nothing serious and neither side threatened to score or saw much chances created. It was the home side having the better of chances after a well-planned strategy.
Marcelo Chamusca‘s team sat back allowing the opposition move the ball from side to side with Arrascaeta and Everton Ribeiro both under-performing in the game. The hosts sat back looking to pounce on the counterattacks, giving the visitors lots of possession of the ball but they didn’t make much of it.
Flamengo were awarded a penalty in the 42nd minute after Jackson fouled Pedro but the goal was ruled out after the player slipped and was deemed to have made two touches.
Flamengo returned after the break with more drive and determination, but couldn’t get past Felipe Alves.
Everton Ribeiro had another bad night and Arrascaeta was not able to make up for the lack of creativity either. Even with the introduction of substitute players, the outcome of the game didn’t improve whatsoever.
Flamengo’s success depended largely on the performances of Everton Ribeiro and Arrascaeta and it was no surprise they couldn’t score with the duo not at their best.
The draw takes Flamengo level on points with Atlético-MG having played one lesser game. Fla will return to the pitch on January 6 for a big game against Fluminense at Maracanã. Elsewhere, Fortaleza who sits at 14th place with 31 points will visits Sport for their next outing also on the same day.
