Flamengo 2-1 RB Bragantino: Pedro seals victory at the Maracanã

Flamengo turn control into a 2-1 win

Flamengo defeated RB Bragantino 2-1 at Estádio do Maracanã on Sunday, September 20, securing the victory after leading 1-0 at half-time. The Serie A result came in Regular Season - 28, with Flamengo using their possession and passing control to protect their position at the top of the table.

Varela makes the early breakthrough

Flamengo made the stronger start and went ahead in the 13th minute. Guillermo Varela finished a move assisted by Jorge Carrascal, giving the hosts an early advantage. The goal set the pattern for much of the first half, as Flamengo circulated the ball and limited Bragantino’s ability to build sustained possession.

There was an early change for Flamengo when Alex Sandro replaced Ayrton Lucas in the fifth minute. Alex Sandro was later booked in the 37th minute, while Bragantino’s Fernando dos Santos Pedro received the first yellow card of the match in the sixth minute.

Pedro doubles the lead before late setback

Flamengo extended their advantage in the 71st minute. Pedro scored from an assist by Jorginho, completing a performance that earned him the highest match rating. He was replaced by Bruno Henrique one minute later, with Luiz Araújo also coming on for Carrascal.

The visitors reduced the deficit in the 86th minute when Bruno Henrique was credited with an own goal. That gave Bragantino a chance to change the ending, but Flamengo held on for the three points. Bruno Henrique was booked in the 89th minute, and Jose Herrera and Agustin Sant Anna were both shown yellow cards in the 90th. There were no red cards.

Possession favours Flamengo, but Bragantino shoot more

The statistics show Flamengo controlling the match without producing the greater total shot count. They held 66% possession, completed 538 accurate passes and made 616 passes overall, compared with Bragantino’s 232 accurate and 304 total passes. Flamengo also led shots on goal 6-5 and shots inside the box 9-6.

Bragantino nevertheless attempted 15 shots to Flamengo’s 11, including eight from outside the box. Flamengo’s four shots off target matched the visitors’ total, while Bragantino had six blocked efforts to the hosts’ one. The balance explains why the score remained close despite Flamengo’s territorial superiority.

Flamengo strengthen their lead

Pedro was the standout performer, receiving an 8.1 rating after scoring once in 72 minutes and recording one shot on target and one key pass. Flamengo’s win takes them from 57 points after 27 matches to 60 from 28, keeping them first in the supplied Serie A standings. RB Bragantino remain on 36 points after 27 matches and stay 10th on the listed table.