Last-minute penalty gives Flamengo the victory.

247 - Flamengo entered the field against Vasco da Gama needing, very much, a victory against their rival to try and alleviate the crisis and the troubled relationship with the fans. It was with this motivation that the red-and-black team opened the scoring just 16 minutes into the game – a shot by Vágner Love was saved by Fernando Prass and the ball fell to Deivid, who had no difficulty in opening the scoring.

The first half was uneventful, with many misplaced passes and a lack of attacking intent from both sides. Flamengo went into the Engenhão dressing room still under pressure, even with the lead on the scoreboard.

And it was no wonder, as the team, as the fans know, remained unstable. Vasco da Gama took advantage and tied the game just five minutes into the second half. Alecsandro took a long-range shot, the ball deflected off the defenders and fell perfectly for Diego Souza to beat Felipe and score.

Both teams were looking to win the match, but neither took enough risks to create danger. With each play, one of the rivals tried to take the lead.

Kléberson was the standout player for Flamengo, which also had Ronaldinho Gaúcho delivering good passes in attack. In one of these attacks, at 46 minutes, Léo Moura made a good run down the right and was brought down by Fernando Prass in a penalty correctly awarded by the referee.

Ronaldinho set up the ball for the final play of the game and used his experience to secure the victory for Flamengo, which doesn't completely eliminate the crisis, but can breathe a little easier while hoping for a miracle in the Libertadores Cup.