The Red Devils kept their campaign in Eternal Glory alive on the grand stage of the Maracana, enduring a tough setback that underscored the intensity of this fixture.
In Copa Libertadores Group A, attention shifted to Rio de Janeiro as Flamengo hosted Ñublense, delivering a 2-0 victory for the Rubro-Negro behind a spellbinding double by Pedro. The win reinforced Flamengo’s intent to push through the group phase with momentum and set the tone for their campaign in front of a passionate home crowd.
From the pivotal second match of the group stage, Flamengo emerged bearing the weight of a recent signing in Jorge Sampaoli. After a start to the season that raised eyebrows, the team rebounded by defeating Coritiba in league play, signaling a growing cohesion under the new management. On the other side, the Devils arrived in Brazil having taken a loss to Racing and, like Flamengo in earlier fixtures against Aucas, were still seeking consistency. Their current form showed just two official wins in the last 11 matches since the party town arrival, which added a layer of pressure to the visit to Rio.
The Brazilian giants could have widened the margin, but a late close-out strike from Éverton Ribeiro was ruled out, denying them a larger cushion. Ñublense, the Chilean Primera Division vice-champions, left the Maracana with a respectable performance that exposed the limits of their qualification chances yet demonstrated pride and discipline throughout the encounter.
Disallowed goal by Everton Ribeiro.
38′ Pedro struck first, lifting a controlled finish with his left foot and curling the ball past the goalkeeper before shifting his weight and slotting home with his right. It was a moment of precision that showcased Pedro’s instinct in and around the box, a reminder of his calm finishing when the pace demands it most.
14′ Pedro doubled the lead with a sharp finish after a pinpoint cross from Marinho, a move that highlighted Flamengo’s ability to convert crosses into meaningful chances. The early sequence set the tone for a comfortable evening for the home side, who pressed with purpose and controlled much of the tempo as the match wore on.
Confirmed formations at the Maracana revealed a tactical duel that combined experience with ambition. Flamengo lined up in a shape that balanced solidity with attacking intent, aiming to control the central channels while exploiting the flanks whenever Ñublense pressed high up the pitch. Ñublense maintained a compact structure, ready to spring counterattacks when the ball found its way into the wings, and they did threaten on a few breaks, testing the defensive line at critical moments.
! This is Ñublense’s formation for today’s game
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– Deportivo Ñublense (@nublenseSADP) April 19, 2023
Source: Goal