Threatened, at a certain point in the first phase, of having to play a quadrangular to avoid being relegated in the Carioca Championship, Flamengo is in the semifinals of the State. This Sunday (15), Rubro-Negro beat Botafogo 2-1 at the Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, in the quarter-finals. The match was broadcast live on Rádio Nacional.
In search of the eighth consecutive State final, Flamengo will face Madureira, in round-trip games that will be scheduled by the Rio de Janeiro Football Federation (Ferj). Tricolor Suburbano will be the home team for the second match, as they had a better campaign.
Glorioso, in turn, is out of the semifinals for the third edition in a row. Alvinegro has not decided on a Carioca since 2018, when they were last champion, and has accumulated a series of five defeats this season.
This Sunday’s classic was disenchanted by Lucas Paquetá. It was from the midfielder, who returned to Rubro-Negro after eight seasons, the goal that opened Nilton Santos’ scoring, in the 18th minute. The number 20 received it from striker Bruno Henrique at the edge of the area and hit goalkeeper Neto’s corner.
Botafogo tied eight minutes into the second half. Full-back Alex Telles took a corner and defender Alexander Barboza headed the ball past goalkeeper Andrew. At the end of the match, in the 38th minute, midfielder Erick Pulgar made a weak attempt at Neto, inside the area, but the goalkeeper rebounded and the Chilean himself took advantage, declaring the red-and-black triumph.
The last Carioca semifinalist will be announced on Monday (16). At 6pm (Brasília time), Fluminense hosts Bangu at Maracanã. Whoever advances will face Vasco, who defeated Volta Redonda last Saturday (14), on penalties.
