Atlético-MG got the better of their debut in the Brazilian Championship against Flamengo, in Maracanã. This Sunday, Galo won 1-0, with a goal by Filipe Luís, in the 23rd minute of the first half. Jorge Sampaoli devised an efficient strategy to overcome Domènec Torrent.
The miners’ high scoring made it difficult for Flamengo.
Who wasted lots of opportunities and made the wrong choices when their opponent gave way.
Jorge Sampaoli and Domènec Torrent’s teams had a high intensity game at Maracanã, but the Argentine coach’s strategy was better. Despite less possession of the ball at just 36%, Atletico-MG was still aggressive and bothered Domènec Torrent’s men a lot.
Flamengo, on the other hand, was affected by the strong Atletico marking, which pressed the opponent’s ball out of the first to the last minute. Sampaoli decided to employ a new formation with three defenders, a tactic used for the first time by the Argentine coach. At the end of the first stage, with Jair replacing Gabriel, the team returned to formation with their usual shape at the back.
Flamengo went out racing in the second half to get back a goal but continued as they did in the first half. They kept pressing but could not create a clear-cut goal-scoring chance to level the scoring. Atlético-MG also had few chances to expand with Savarino and Marrony, but Diego Alves was equal to the task.
In the second round of the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo will face Atlético-GO, next Wednesday, at 8:30 pm, at the Olympic.
Atlético-MG also play on Wednesday and will face Corinthians in Mineirão.
