Even with an unconvincing performance, Flamengo defeated Sporting Cristal (Peru) 2-1, on Tuesday night (24) at the Maracanã stadium, in the game that marked the end of their participation in the group stage of the current edition of the Copa Libertadores.
?⚫️ The @Flamengo won the @ClubSCristal 2-1 at Maracanã and ended the CONMEBOL Group Stage #Liberators undefeated. pic.twitter.com/tyKJ7fq61t
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@LibertadoresBR) May 25, 2022
After this victory, Rubro-Negro reached 16 points (assuring so far the second best campaign of the initial phase, behind palm trees and can still be overtaken by River Plate, from Argentina), remaining as leader of Group H.
With the classification already guaranteed, coach Paulo Sousa decided to spare important pieces, such as defender Rodrigo Caio, midfielder Everton Ribeiro and striker Bruno Henrique, who stayed on the bench, and Uruguayan Arrascaeta, who was not even listed.
With so many changes, Flamengo even created chances, but also offered opportunities for the Peruvian team. Thus, the score was moved only in the 29th minute of the first half, when David Luiz threw it to the Chilean Isla, who dominated and finished under goalkeeper Alejandro Duarte. The ball still hit Madrid side, who ended up taking credit for the goal.
The match scenario only changed during the final stage, when coach Paulo Sousa fielded Bruno Henrique, Rodinei and Andreas Pereira, who had a direct participation in the second goal. In the 28th minute, shirt 18 took a free-kick in the direction of the area and striker Pedro went up a lot to head with category.
And there was one more of him! ⚽️?
There you know and know a lot! @Pedro9official #VamosFlamengo
? @AlexandreVidal1 / CRF pic.twitter.com/oIRIn88tgk
— Flamengo (@Flamengo) May 25, 2022
However, the Peruvian team still managed to score in the 39th minute of the second half. After receiving on the left, Christofer Gonzáles cut to the middle and hit from the right. The ball went towards goalkeeper Hugo Souza, who missed. Final score, Flamengo 2, Sporting Cristal 1.
After the commitment by Libertadores, Flamengo focuses on the Brazilian. And the next challenge is the classic against Fluminense next Sunday (29) at the Maracanã stadium.
