Flamengo had no Ronaldinho in the squad as he is out through injury in a match which they hope to end their ten match winless run against the bottom side in the Brazilian Campeonato, America-MG.
Jael kept his starting place after his important equaliser against Botafogo last week as Vanderlei Luxemburgo looked to get the title challenge back on track. They started the game well with Thiago Neves almost played through on goal in the 2nd minute by Renato.
Flamengo had most of the ball in the opening twenty minutes but rarely forced an effort with Renato and Jael guilty of making mistakes in the final third. They seemed nervous in their play and Luxemburgo said before the match he hopes his side doesn’t underestimate America-MG.
Contrary to their manager’s request, they seemed to do exactly that as they let them have space and time on the ball in the middle of the park. The away side began to grow in confidence with the possession they were having and Kempes should have gave them the lead in the 20th minute mark.
He received the ball down the left wing and as Felipe came out to meet him, he was able to knock it around the keeper but despite the open goal, he put it into the side netting. Maybe it doesn’t just happen to Fernando Torres then.
Despite the miss, America-MG were on top against a Flamengo side which was devoid of any confidence. The ‘unthinkable’ became a reality on the half-hour mark when the bottom of the table team, took the lead.
It was from the penalty spot after Luciano was fouled when he cut inside and Kempes stepped up to slot home the penalty, and wide out the memory of his miss ten minutes earlier.
It almost got worse for Flamengo when Leo Moura passed back to Felipe in the Flamengo goal and his attempted kick hit Andre Dias and had to recover well to make sure the away side didn’t double their lead.
Flamengo were abject in the first half with Jael having the only effort worth noting when he picked a low Bottinelli pass inside the area but his shot was well saved by Coelho keeper Neneca.
The home side were booed off the pitch at the break as the lack of width and confidence is hurting them badly. Arguably too much rests on full-backs Leo Moura and Junior Cesar getting forward to provide any wide support in attack, whilst they can easily get caught out on the break.
During the break, Luxemburgo incredibly made three changes in what can only be described as a desperate move. Jael, Bottinelli and Maldonado were substituted for Deivid, Thomas and Diego Mauricio.
America-MG had chances to extend their lead at the start of the second half, but the changes made at the break began to take effort as Flamengo got on top.
After Leo Moura and Junior Cesar having good efforts, it was substitute Deivid who equalised on the 61st minute. Leo Moura used great skill to dodge the defence and get to the byline, and he crossed for Deivid to head home from two yards out.
Flamengo continued to press with Diego Mauricio going close on the 75th minute when he was able to hold off two defenders brilliantly and his shot from a narrow angle was well saved by Neneca.
The America-MG goalkeeper was increasingly active when in the last ten minutes he saved once again from Diego Mauricio and when Thiago Neves was able to find the target.
However, he could do nothing about the winner. Relief for the home side as Thiago Neves got the winner with only two minutes left. After a double save from Neneca, the ball fell to Thiago Neves who was able to spark wild celebrations on the pitch, in the stands and in the dugout.
Despite late pressure from America-MG, Flamengo held on to end their ten match winless run and possibly save Vanderlei Luxemburgo’s job. They will be hoping they have turned a corner and this could replenish their title challenge.
