A detailed analysis of the record-breaking campaigns for goals scored and conceded in the modern era of the championship
Since its implementation in 2003, the Brazilian Championship of running points has consolidated itself as the definitive format to define the national champion. Over almost two decades, several teams have left their mark, but the question that remains among fans and analysts is: which was the best attack and the best defense in the history of the Brasileirão? The answer involves analyzing the numbers and contexts of two campaigns that established a standard of offensive excellence and defensive solidity, serving as a reference to this day. This article details the records, the teams behind the brands and the factors that made these feats historic.
The most lethal attack: Flamengo of 2019
The record for the best attack in the era of points run with 38 rounds belongs to Flamengo in 2019. Under the command of Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus, the red and black team enchanted the country with offensive, aggressive and extremely efficient football, culminating in the title with an overwhelming campaign.
The team scored a total of 86 goals in 38 matches, setting an impressive average of 2.26 goals per game. This mark surpassed previous records and became the main example of the competition’s offensive power. The strength of the attack was distributed among several players, but was mainly concentrated on a lethal duo:
- Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol): Top scorer in the championship with 25 goals.
- Bruno Henrique: Vice-top scorer of the team and the tournament, with 21 goals.
In addition to the duo, players like Giorgian de Arrascaeta and Everton Ribeiro were fundamental in creating plays, contributing with goals and assists that solidified the 2019 Flamengo not only as champions, but as owners of the most powerful attack in the recent history of the Brasileirão.
The defensive wall: São Paulo 2007
If Flamengo in 2019 was notable for its attack, São Paulo in 2007 went down in history for its almost insurmountable defense. Led by Muricy Ramalho, the team won the fifth Brazilian championship (the second in its sequence of three titles) with defensive solidity that became the greatest of all editions of the Brasileirão in terms of points.
The team conceded just 19 goals in 38 games, achieving an extraordinary average of 0.5 goals conceded per match. This defensive performance was the pillar of a safe and consistent campaign. Muricy’s tactical system, with three defenders, and the individual quality of the athletes were crucial to the achievement. Among the main names in that sector, the following stand out:
- Rogério Ceni: The goalkeeper-captain, in one of his best seasons.
- Miranda: One of the main defenders in Brazilian football in the decade.
- Breno and Alex Silva: Defenders who complemented each other and guaranteed security to the system.
Tactical organization, player discipline and the ability to neutralize opponents made São Paulo in 2007 the holder of the best defense in the history of the championship, a record that remains intact.
Other prominent campaigns and honorable mentions
Although the main records belong to Flamengo and São Paulo, other teams also recorded impressive numbers that deserve to be remembered, especially in editions with more games (46 rounds, between 2003 and 2005).
- Notable attacks:
- Cruzeiro (2003): He scored 102 goals, but in 46 games (average of 2.21 per game).
- Santos (2004): He scored 103 goals, also in 46 games (average of 2.23 per game).
- Atlético-MG (2021): Champion with 67 goals, being the most positive attack of that edition.
- Notable saves:
- Corinthians (2015): Tite’s team won just 31 goals.
- Palmeiras (2018): The team led by Luiz Felipe Scolari lifted the cup with just 26 goals conceded.
- Grêmio (2009): Although they were not champions, they had a solid defense with only 35 goals conceded.
The records of Flamengo in 2019 (best attack) and São Paulo in 2007 (best defense) in the 38-round format represent the two extremes of excellence in the Brazilian Championship. On the one hand, the overwhelming firepower of a team that prioritized offensive play; on the other, the tactical discipline and security of a team built on an impenetrable defensive base. Both campaigns not only guaranteed the title for their clubs, but also established the efficiency parameters that serve as a goal for all competitors in the national football elite.
