The Rubro-Negro arrives with an edge in the rematch against the Admiral after winning the first leg in Maracanã.
Flamengo had already clinched the Carioca Championship title after their victory in the Clássico dos Milhões against Vasco da Gama in the first leg of the semi-finals. With that result, Vítor Pereira’s squad only needed a draw in the return match to advance to the decisive stage, where the winner of the match between Fluminense and Volta Redonda would await them, while Voltaço carried a slim advantage after their 2-1 upset at Raulino de Oliveira.
The opening goal came from Gabriel Pec, who exploited a defensive error by Flamengo to fire a left-footed shot from the center of the box past the keeper. Still, Arrascaeta responded for Flamengo with a spectacular volley into the corner, untouchable by Leo Jardim. The Uruguayan’s strike marked his 54th goal in 206 appearances for Flamengo, and it was his second of the season. Flamengo briefly took the lead when Pedro converted from close range after a defensive mishap by Manuel Capasso, turning the score in favor of the hosts just before halftime.
In the second half, Vasco pressed higher up the field to regain control. At 59 minutes, after a strong counter, Pedro Raul set up Alex Teixeira who headed in to level the game again. After Arturo Vidal came off at 69 minutes, replaced by Éverton Ribeiro, the winning goal arrived through Fabricio Bruno. The Uruguayan striker converted a cross into the area, easing the tension of Flamengo’s supporters who celebrated after three league matches without a win.
It is worth recalling that Flamengo last won the trophy in 2021, when they cruised past the opposing side led by Fernando Diniz in the final (4-2 on aggregate), securing their third consecutive state crown. In the most recent edition, Flamengo finished second, narrowly losing to Fluminense, who claimed their thirty-second title a decade after the last one.
The following graphics outlined the team lineups, substitutions, and key incidents of the match.
Flamengo left the field with 9 players after a red card for Matheus Gonçalves, yet they still managed to secure the opening win and head into the rematch with an advantage.
90+5 Flamengo was reduced to 10 players as Matheus Gonçalves received a second yellow card.
73′ Flamengo goal! Fabricio Bruno headed home to restore Flamengo’s lead for a moment, under the guidance of coach Itor Pereira.
69′ Arturo Vidal left the field at minute 69, making way for Éverton Ribeiro.
59′ Vasco da Gama equalized when Pedro Raul initiated a counter, feeding Alex Teixeira who finished with a headed goal.
42′ Flamengo drew level as Pedro punished Capasso’s error with a composed finish. It was the striker’s 81st goal in 170 appearances for Flamengo.
30′ A goal for Vasco da Gama was ruled offside after VAR intervention.
26′ Flamengo equalized through Giorgian de Arrascaeta with a superb volley from outside the box, his 54th goal in 206 appearances for Flamengo, and his second of the season.
10′ Vasco da Gama opened the scoring when Rodrigo Caio’s through ball found Gabriel Pec who punished Flamengo’s defensive lapse with a left-footed strike from the center of the area.
The players were soon ready to take the field for the Classic dos Milhões, which started 15 minutes late due to an accident on one of the access routes to Maracanã.
Confirmed lineups: Flamengo: Santos; Fabrício Bruno, Rodrigo Caio, Pablo; Matheuzinho, Arturo Vidal, Thiago Maia, Ayrton Lucas; Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Gabigol, Pedro.
Vasco da Gama: Leo Jardim; Jose Luis Rodríguez, Manuel Capasso, Leo, Lucas Piton; Matias Galarza, Andrey Santos, Jair; Gabriel Pec, Alex Teixeira, Pedro Raul.
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Source: Goal