Result kept the duo away from leaders Palmeiras and Botafogo; Leão appears at the front, in fourth place, with 65 points, while the red-black team is fifth, with 63
Still with timid chances, and they practically said goodbye to the dream of continuing to fight for the title of . In a direct duel at the top of the table, the pair did not change the score at Arena Castelão, in Fortaleza (CE), and ended up 0-0 this Tuesday (26), following the 35th round. The result kept the duo away from leaders Palmeiras and Botafogo. Fortaleza appears ahead, in fourth place, with 65 points, while Flamengo is fifth, with 63. The big news in the match was the return of striker Gabigol to the team. The number 99 lives his last moments with the red and black shirt, but again a dull match, being replaced at half-time. Even away from home, Flamengo dominated possession and had the best chances. The Rio team’s offensive presence was great, but bad luck accompanied it, including a penalty being canceled by VAR.
Fortaleza was shy, even for strategic reasons. Without the ball, he set up counterattacks well and didn’t leave his opponent comfortable on the field. However, there was a lack of calm when it came to conclusions, lacking in passes, especially in the last third of the field. In the second stage, the panorama of the match remained until the 21st minute, when Erick Pulgar was sent off after a harsh foul on Marinho. With numerical superiority on the field, the northeastern team began to balance possession of the ball, but still defend itself defensively. In the final stretch, the game became nervous, with many arguments, slowing down the match. In stoppage time, the goalkeepers secured the draw. João Ricardo saved Alcaraz’s deflection, while Rossi caught Breno Lopes’ shot. In the next round, Flamengo has another direct confrontation, this time against Internacional, on Sunday, at 4pm, at Maracanã. Later, at 6:30 pm, Fortaleza visits Athletico-PR, at the Ligga Arena.
*With information from AFP
Published by Sarah Paula
