Flamengo Dominates Bolívar and Returns to Qualification Zone for Next Phase of Libertadores
Rubro-Negro creates many opportunities, overwhelms Bolivian team, and stays alive in the tournament
Convincing Victory
Flamengo didn't give Bolívar any chances at Maracanã and won 4-0 on Wednesday in the Libertadores. The result keeps Tite's team alive in the competition, depending solely on themselves to advance to the round of 16. Most of the score was built in the first half, with goals from Gerson, Ayrton Lucas, and Cebolinha. In the second half, Pedro completed the result.
Focus on Qualification
With the victory, Flamengo moved up one position, taking the second spot in Group E with seven points. This is the same number of points as Palestino, who falls behind on tie-breaking criteria.
Bolívar remains in the first position with ten points. Check the complete table.
First Half
The initial minutes set the tone for Flamengo's play during the first half. Cebolinha made a good individual play on the wing and found Gerson free in the box to score. Shortly after, Arrascaeta came close to scoring but his shot went wide. Bolívar tried to exploit the spaces left behind Flamengo's defense and attempted to react with a shot on the post by Pato Rodríguez. However, the Bolivian defense remained disorganized, giving space, and the pressure from Flamengo paid off. Despite great saves from Lampe, Arrascaeta and Pedro were both denied until Ayrton Lucas found a rebound in the box to extend the lead. Minutes later, De la Cruz disrupted Ramiro Vaca's attack and the ball fell to Pedro, who set up Cebolinha for the third goal.
Second Half
Flamengo started the second half a bit more cautious, facing some pressure from Bolívar, but quickly regained control. Ten minutes in, they received a good pass from Gerson in the box, resulting in the fourth goal for the Rio-based team. The intensity of Flamengo continued with Gabigol, Luiz Araújo, and Lorran coming in for Pedro, Cebolinha, and Arrascaeta. Bolívar couldn't mount a comeback, struggling with passes and relying on individual plays by Bruno Sávio, which were ineffective against Flamengo's tight defense. Tite's team maintained a strong pace until the end and could have scored more goals, but a good shot from Ayrton Lucas hit the post.
Upcoming Matches
Next Wednesday, Flamengo will travel to Manaus to face Amazonas in the Copa do Brasil.
The following week, they will return to Libertadores to play against Millonarios from Colombia, who have no chance of qualifying.
A decision by the CBF has led to the suspension of the Brasileiro for two rounds due to the tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul. Therefore, the Rio-based club will not play next weekend.
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