Flamengo RJ beat Bragantino SP 2-1 in the Brasileirão - Série A, a result built on first-half control and a second-half finish from Pedro before a late own goal made the closing minutes uneasy.

Match Summary

Flamengo set the tone early. Fernando dos Santos Pedro was booked inside six minutes for Bragantino SP, and Guillermo Varela soon had the hosts in front after 13 minutes. Jorge Carrascal supplied the assist, and Flamengo carried that advantage through a first half they largely dictated.

After the restart Guillermo Varela went into the book as well, but the pattern held until Pedro, found by Jorginho, scored in the 71st minute. Two goals to the good, Flamengo looked comfortable. The twist arrived late, when Bruno Henrique turned the ball into his own net in the 86th minute and Bragantino SP had a lifeline. Flamengo still closed out the 2-1 win. Bruno Henrique was cautioned late for the home side, and Jose Herrera was booked for the visitors.

Key Moments

Flamengo's first-half lead meant they could keep the ball and ask Bragantino SP to chase from behind. The second home goal after the hour looked like the point of no return, because it forced the visitors into an all-or-nothing search for a reply. What kept the contest alive was the own goal with four minutes of normal time left, which turned a two-goal cushion into a one-goal test of nerve. Late bookings followed, but the earlier scoring still decided the night.

Match Statistics

Flamengo finished with 66 percent possession and put 6 of 11 shots on target. Bragantino SP attempted 13 shots, 5 of them on target, and led the corner count 5-2. Yellow cards were even at three apiece, and there were no red cards.

What the Result Means

Flamengo sit first in Serie A with 57 points from 27 matches and a goal difference of 31. They have four wins and one loss in their last five. RB Bragantino are 10th with 36 points from 26 matches and a goal difference of 3, with one win, two draws and two losses in their last five. The two sides are 21 points apart.

See also

• Flamengo RJ vs Bragantino SP live score
• AltBets live scores
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• Match recaps