April 12 – Flamengo claimed their first prize of the season winning the Brazilian Super Cup 6-5 on penalties against Palmeiras on Sunday.
The Brazilian champions took to the field as slightly favourites but fell behind after just two minutes when Raphael Veiga struck with a beautiful goal for the Sao Paulo giants, who then sat back and defended their lead. However, in the 23rd minute Gabriel Barbosa equalized from close range before Giorgian De Arrascaeta added a second on the stroke of half-time.
Amid the grueling conditions of a morning kick-off in Brasilia behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, Flamengo failed to push on in the second half and conceded a soft penalty in the 74th minute, allowing Veiga to draw Palmeiras level 2-2. With a good 20 minutes left on the clock, neither side managed to find a winner.
In a penalty shootout that went to nine kicks, defender Rodrigo Caio converted the decisive penalty to crown Flamengo winners of the Super Cup and hand the Rio club their first silverware of the season.
Flamengo are still in contention to win the Rio state championship as well. The national league will kick off on May 30 and conclude on December 5. Last season, Flamengo edged Internacional in a two-horse race to retain their national crown on a dramatic final day.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1714149419labto1714149419ofdlr1714149419owedi1714149419sni@o1714149419fni1714149419