Flamengo 2-0 Mirassol: Carrascal leads first-half victory

Flamengo defeated Mirassol 2-0 at Estádio do Maracanã on Wednesday, securing a comfortable Serie A victory after scoring both goals before half-time. J. Carrascal and Lucas Paquetá found the net as Flamengo controlled the match and protected its advantage through the second half.

Carrascal makes the breakthrough

Flamengo made its early pressure count in the 14th minute. Pedro provided the assist for J. Carrascal, who scored a normal goal to put the home side ahead. Carrascal was central to the result, later assisting Lucas Paquetá and finishing with a match-leading rating of 8.7. He also recorded one shot on target, one key pass and three tackles during his 73 minutes.

The hosts doubled their lead just before the interval. In the 43rd minute, Carrascal turned provider for Lucas Paquetá, who scored Flamengo’s second goal. The 2-0 half-time score ultimately proved decisive, with Mirassol unable to produce a response after the break.

Flamengo controls the numbers

The statistics reflected Flamengo’s stronger performance. Leonardo Jardim’s 4-2-3-1 side held 56% possession and completed 634 passes, compared with Mirassol’s 44% possession and 483 passes. Flamengo also led total shots 14-8, shots inside the box 12-5 and expected goals 1.75-0.49.

The scoreline was therefore consistent with the balance of play rather than the result of a low-volume match. Mirassol did manage two shots on target, matching Flamengo’s goalkeeper-save total, but Flamengo’s greater attacking output and two first-half finishes separated the teams. The hosts also won more corners, 9-7, while Mirassol was caught offside three times. Both teams posted 88% passing accuracy.

Second-half changes and discipline

Flamengo made an early adjustment when Evertton Araujo replaced E. Pulgar in the 31st minute. G. de Arrascaeta came on at half-time, while S. Niguez replaced Carrascal in the 73rd minute after the standout attacker had contributed a goal and an assist. Mirassol changed its goalkeeper and attacking options at the interval, with Alex Muralha replacing Walter and Shaylon replacing Carlos Eduardo. Elias later replaced Igor Formiga in the 66th minute.

Mirassol’s João Victor was booked in the 66th minute and Denilson received a yellow card in the 81st. Flamengo finished without a booking, and the visitors committed 11 fouls to Flamengo’s eight.

League position impact

The win leaves Flamengo second in Serie A with 51 points from 25 games, a record of 15 wins, six draws and four losses, with a goal difference of 29. Mirassol remains 16th on 25 points from 25 matches, having won six, drawn seven and lost 12, with a goal difference of -12.