Flamengo takes revenge for the 2021 defeat, becomes the first Tetra, and invites Palmeiras to the dance of supernatural powers

The victory over Palmeiras came with a score of 1-0, with a goal scored by the new veteran Danilo in the squad, replacing defender Leo Ortiz. The 34-year-old defender, who returned to Brazil this season with Flamengo, became the third player in red and black to score in the finals, after Zico (1981) and Gabigol (2019 and 2022).

In its fourth final in seven years, Flamengo wins the title for the third time, crowning a successful management in football, after increasing its revenues to approximately 2 billion Brazilian reals annually. The fight for the top four, with a rematch coming up, holds new confrontations in the future, given the similar strength of Palmeiras.

The Sao Paulo club reached its third decision in five years after winning twice. All with coach Abel Ferreira, who has been in charge all this time and will renew until 2027. At Flamengo, the change of coaches was a milestone, but Filipe Luis was the first to complete a year with titles and good football, and his stay was also negotiated.

Although the match was not technically good, the final in Lima was good and left the off-field controversies behind. The move that sparked controversy was Pulgar’s attack on Bruno Fakes, as the referee merely issued a yellow card, which sparked a complaint from Palmeiras. Otherwise, behind-the-scenes disputes, not only over arbitration but also over other strategic issues, have been excluded.

In the week of the final, when the Brazilian went to Flamengo, Palmeiras tried one last trick, maintaining his main points lead. The strategy created a ferocious side in Lima, but the match saw more moments of dominance from Flamengo, who arrived as deserving favourites.

Good times for each side

With different strategies, Flamengo relied on Danilo as a new addition instead of Ortiz, and in attack Samuel Leno was chosen by Filipe Luis. Palmeiras took some time to announce the lineup, but there were no surprises. With Fucks as a third defender and Veiga in the middle, Allan was the wild card on the right.

The match had different moments. Flamengo started better. He positions himself with the marker upfront to force a long pass. Polgar and Varela were used in interceptions and duels on the right flank, while Alex Sandro and Leno closed the spaces on the left.

The situation led to two red and black shots in the first 15 minutes. The first is with Arrascaeta after he is kidnapped from Lino in a robbery. In the other, Bruno Henrique ran free and was shot. It was a business card.

Palmeiras responded in the 20th minute. Murillo disarmed Carrascal, Vega passed the ball to Flaco Lopez, and after opening up on the right flank he sent a cross that frightened the Flamengo defence, but Vitor Roque headed in weakly.

The second half of the first half was more for Palmeiras. That almost left him with an extra player. After Fucks fouled Arrascaeta, Polgár kicked the opponent’s shin without the ball, receiving only a yellow card, escaping a red card.

A few minutes later, as Palmeiras became more nervous and advanced on the goal line, it was Jorginho’s turn to receive a yellow card. Flamengo no longer had the strength to put pressure on the opponent, and was forced to stop playing. Already saved for the second half.

There is still time to return to the attack with danger. Carrascal made good moves and passed it to Bruno Henrique, who started from the left side and tried to find Samuel Leno inside, but the ball collided.

The first stage ended better for Palmeiras, mainly due to the intensity maintained by Vitor Roque, who gave Danilo and Varela a lot of work.

Flamingo uses Palmeiras’ weapon

When the break returned without any changes, the match returned as it was. The first dangerous move was from Palmeiras, who exchanged passes in attack and tried again to play on Vitor Roque, who was obstructed.

Next is Flamingo’s response. Due to a mistake by Murillo, who let the ball slip from their hands, Bruno Henrique passed it to Arrascaeta, who shot the ball across, but Gustavo Gomez blocked it. The game has become more open.

There was good movement on both sides, always climbing over the ledges. For Flamengo, Bruno Henrique was the most used. At Palmeiras, in addition to Roque, Allan gained prominence from the back on quick counter-attacks. But there was lack of a better target. Midfielders Arrascaeta and Veiga featured sparsely.

Even a series of crosses into the area scored Flamengo. Danilo went up alone and tested Carlos Miguel without any chance, a strategy that Palmeiras had been using until then. Ironically, the same defender in red and black almost scored the equaliser, with a mistake that was not exploited afterwards.

After the goal, the excitement of the match increased. Palmeiras threw himself into the attack once and for all. Flamengo outdid themselves in defending their area and the defense was almost completely suspended. It’s a tetra!