Flamengo continued their unbeaten run in the Brazilian Championship and also kept their title hopes well alive with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Corinthians.
With the result, Fla remain fiercely in pursuit of Internacional who are only one point ahead on the standings
Willian Arão opened the scoring for Flamengo just after ten minutes but the lead didn’t last long. In the 20th minute, Léo Natel leveled the scoring and the first half ended in a stalemate.
It took a goal from a familiar face in Gabigol to score the decisive winning goal that could go on to be important in their bid for the title.
Flamengo supporters not only watched their game but perhaps had to keep one eye out for Internacional as well. Both teams played at the same time and only a distance of about 5km separated the venues both teams had their respective games on Sunday.
At the end of it all, both teams won and it means perfect timing for both sides to face-off in a ‘decider’ match at next Sunday. Flamengo can go one step closer to their fourth Brazilian Championship title if they beat Inter next Sunday. Fla’s last league triumph came back in the 2012/13 season.
The game was also a special one for Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol), who hit a brilliant milestone of 100 games for the club. It was rather poetic that he went on to score the crucial winning goal on the occasion. The goal was initially ruled out but reinstated correctly after a VAR review.
However, his day ended badly though as he suffered a sprain in his knee and is now a doubt to feature against Inter. In what is a big blow to Fla, Arrascaeta could also miss that crucial game after hurting his ankle.
Corinthian’s defeat was also further significant for one more reason. The result also ensured that Fluminense are back to the Libertadores after an eight-year absence. The aim for Fluminense now is to secure a direct spot in the group stage of the continental competition.
The stage is set for the most important game of the season as Flamengo welcome Internacional to the next Sunday. Whoever wins that game could likely win the league.
