The squad led by Vítor Pereira, with Erick Pulgar starting in midfield, secured a win in the classic against Botafogo and extended their advantage at the top of the state championship standings.
The Flamengo side claimed a victory in the Mané Garrincha stadium over Botafogo on the ninth round of the Carioca Championship group stage, extending their momentum toward the Taça Guanabara title. The Tricolor Carioca remain undefeated this campaign, the only team in possession of that honor so far.
The Rubro-Negro, opting for an alternative lineup, jumped ahead just 24 seconds into the match as Matheus Gonçalves seized on a defensive lapse by Daniel Borges to beat the goalkeeper Lucas Perri. In stoppage time, Carlos Alberto looked set to equalize, but his goal was ruled offside after a VAR intervention.
With this result Flamengo solidified their lead in the tournament, collecting 23 points from seven wins and two draws, while scoring 18 goals and conceding only three. Erick Pulgar played until the 62nd minute before being replaced by Everton, and Arturo Vidal was not listed in the squad since he was kept ready for a rematch against Independiente del Valle in the Recopa Sudamericana, where Flamengo aims for a comeback in the Maracanã after a narrow loss in Guayaquil.
Next up, Flamengo will host Vasco da Gama on their home turf. Meanwhile Botafogo, who finished with ten men after red cards for Tiquinho Soares and Marçal, will travel to Resende to try to rebound after consecutive defeats. Luís Castro’s side sit third with 16 points, trailing Flamengo, while Fluminense sits in the leading quartet with 14 points for Botafogo and the day’s rest left the position as it was.
The Chilean connection with Flamengo
It is worth noting that Flamengo, historically, is a dominant force in regional play, having lifted the trophy 37 times—the most by any club in state competitions. In the last edition, they finished second after losing the aggregate 3-1 to their classic rival Fluminense, who captured their 32nd title and paused a decade-long drought since their last triumph.
The following sections highlight the lineup, substitutions, and key moments from the match, illustrating how Flamengo built and maintained control throughout the encounter.
Last! Flamengo stays with the classic and remains firmly atop the table.
90+8 Botafogo finishes with nine men after Marçal receives a second caution for a late challenge.
90+3 Red card! Botafogo’s Tiquinho Soares is shown a second yellow and is sent off as the referee’s decision stands after a brief consultation with the VAR.
90′ Six minutes of stoppage time are added to the second half.
85′ A goal for Botafogo was ruled out for offside after Carlos Alberto found the net in a late equalizer chance, following a VAR review.
62′ Erick Pulgar makes way for Everton as Flamengo closes out the central midfield pivot in the closing stages.
58′ Matheus Cunha sustains an injury after a collision and receives treatment on the field.
29′ Flamengo nearly breaks through again as Matheus Gonçalves cuts inside and fires on goal, but the custodian makes a sharp save to keep the ball out of the net.
20′ A brilliant buildup from Flamengo almost yields a second goal as Cleiton releases a powerful strike that grazes the post and sails wide.
1′ GOOOOOOOL FOR FLAMENGO! Matheus Gonçalves capitalizes on an error at the back and slots home at the Mané Garrincha, giving Flamengo an early lead just 24 seconds into the match. It’s his second goal in six appearances against Botafogo and his first as a starter for Flamengo in this fixture.
Botafogo’s starting XI included: Lucas Perri; Daniel Borges, Joel Carli, Segovia, Marçal; Tchê Tchê, Patrick de Paula, Gabriel Pires, Lucas Piazón; Victor Sa and Tiquinho Soares.
Flamengo lined up with: Matheus Cunha; Rodrigo Caio, Pablo, Cleiton; Matheuzinho, Igor Jesus, Erick Pulgar, Matheus Gonçalves, Everton Cebolinha; Marinho and Mateusinho. Arturo Vidal was not listed as he prepared for Flamengo’s rematch against Independiente del Valle in the Recopa Sudamericana.
Both clubs have met 387 times in the overall history, with Flamengo leading the head-to-head tally at 144 wins to Botafogo’s 117 in 303 draws. The most recent clash came on August 28 in the Brasileirão, when Flamengo prevailed 1-0 thanks to a decisive strike by a former Inter Milan player at the Olímpico Nilton Santos. It was his second goal for Flamengo after joining on loan and contributing to a 4-1 win over Athletico Goianiense.
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