Almost ten months after the 5-0 in the semifinals of Libertadores, Flamengo and Grêmio met again this Wednesday night at Maracanã. It was a different take this time around.
In a game without too many activities, the game ended out with a 1-1 draw with much action from the VAR.
Pepê opened the scoring, but saw Gabigol secure the equalizer at the end in a penalty kick scored with the help of VAR following Kannemann’s handling of the ball in the penalty area.
Everton Ribeiro was the main star of Flamengo and had the best chance in individual play, but he did not hit the goal after easing past two markers.
Grêmio, even with less possession, created the best opportunities. A free kick from Jean Pyerre went close to opening the scoring. Alisson also went close with a shot in the penalty area but jumped in front of the marker with Pepê. In the last minutes of the first half, Pepê received a free kick in the area and fired in the right corner leaving no chance for Diego Alves. Flamengo were 1-0 up.
Just late into the second half, there was drama that left heartbreak for Flamengo. After Vitinho’s kick, it appeared Kannemann’s hand touched the ball and after a VAR review, the penalty was given. Gabigol stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake. The game was leveled.
Flamengo drew for the first time in the Brasileirão. Domènec Torrent’s team went four points. Grêmio, still unbeaten, went to six. Flamengo will take on Botafogo next on Sunday. Gremio will also take on Vasco da Gama.
