Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Flamengo – Internacional – 0:0
On Saturday, Flamengo and Internacional drew 0-0 at the Maracanã in a Brazilian Championship match. The match saw few chances to score.
The game started on a sombre note, with the teams struggling to find their rhythm due to the persistent rain in Rio de Janeiro. Flamengo’s hopes were reduced even further when star striker Arrascaeta left the field due to a thigh injury in the 13th minute. Soon after, Luiz Araújo also suffered a muscle problem in his left thigh, further adding to Flamengo’s problems. In fact, it was Araújo who was the main danger in the first half – he shot against the goal and the goalkeeper.
Despite fielding an almost entirely reserve team, Internacional managed to secure a valuable point away from home, strengthening their aspirations in the race to qualify for the Copa Libertadores. Flamengo’s draw, however, put a damper on their pursuit of Botafogo, leaving them 15 points behind if they were to win against Bahia.
Internacional’s resilient display highlighted their tactical discipline, as they patiently waited for counter-attacking opportunities against a lacklustre Flamengo side. With their starters coming on during the second half, Internacional showed renewed determination and almost opened the scoring with a goal from Alan Patrick. Incidentally, on Tuesday (29), Internacional will host Bolívar in the second leg of the Libertadores quarter-finals. Away from home, the Brazilians won 1-0.
The game was not only characterized by disputes on the pitch. Flamengo fans expressed their dissatisfaction, booing and cursing at club officials, including president Rodolfo Landim and vice-president of soccer Marcos Braz. Even coach Jorge Sampaoli and Gabigol faced mixed reactions in the stands. When the final whistle blew, the cacophony of discontent echoed throughout the Maracanã, summing up a frustrating day for Flamengo and an important point won by Internacional.
Corinthians – Goiás – 1:1
In a cold encounter at the Arena Neo Química, Corinthians and Goiás drew 1-1 in the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship. The game came to life in the second half, with both teams scoring after a goalless first half.
Goiás were the first to open the scoring in the 59th minute, with a penalty converted by Guilherme. As the clock ticked down to the final whistle, Corinthians reacted and equalized in the 82nd minute with a well-placed shot from Maycon, who received an assist from Renato Augusto.
The intensity of the game increased in the last few minutes, with Corinthians pressing for the winning goal, only to be thwarted by Goiás goalkeeper Tadeu, who made a series of impressive saves. Despite the draw, the match had crucial implications for both teams in the fight against relegation, as Corinthians are in 13th place and Goiás in 15th, each trying to move away from the danger zone.
Corinthians’ line-up reflected their focus on the upcoming Copa Sudamericana quarter-final against Estudiantes-ARG, with a mixed team. With this result, the teams will continue with their respective campaigns, with Corinthians awaiting the cup clash and the decisive clash with Palmeiras on the horizon.