Flamengo did not confirm the Brazilian Championship title on Tuesday night (25), but took another important step towards the trophy by seeking a 1-1 draw at the end with Atlético Mineiro, in Belo Horizonte. Its main competitor, Palmeiras, lost to Grêmio 3-2, in Porto Alegre.
With the results, the red and black team reached 75 points, against 70 for the black and white team – each of them will still play twice in the competition. There are still mathematical chances of winning for Cruzeiro, which is 68 and will host Botafogo this Thursday (27), still in the 36th round, with the possibility of taking second place.
Concerned about the decision of the Copa Libertadores, next Saturday (29), in Lima, the Flamengo and Palmeiras coaches adopted alternative formations in the Brazilian Championship. In the case of Alviverde, Abel Ferreira even saved goalkeeper Carlos Miguel.
Even so, his team came out ahead of Grêmio, at Arena do Grêmio, thanks to a header from Facundo Torres. In the last play of the first half, in a lateral play, Amuzu equalized. In the final stage, Carlos Vinícius and Willian scored, both from the penalty spot. In stoppage time, Benedetti scored a header, making it 3-2.
At Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte, willing to define the title, Flamengo created great chances in the first half. He stopped at the post and goalkeeper Everson and was punished with a goal from Bernard, after a cross from Dudu. In the final stage, they sought to attack and achieved a 1-1 draw in the 47th minute, with a header from Bruno Henrique.
The team led by Filipe Luís will be able to secure the title next week, on Wednesday (3). If they beat Ceará at Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro, it will not depend on any other result. Before that, they will compete for the South American title, against Palmeiras, on Saturday.
