Late drama as Flamengo stages stunning comeback to edge Atlético Mineiro and reclaim Brasileirão lead

Drama to the very final whistle! Flamengo secured a vital step toward the Brazilian championship title with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Atlético Mineiro on Monday night (26) at the Maracanã in the 32nd round. After falling behind and turning the match around in the first half, the Rubro-Negro conceded an equalizer in the second period but refused to give in, maintaining relentless pressure in search of the decisive goal. The reward came in the match's final moment: after Léo Pereira was brought down by Renan Lodi in the area, Carrascal stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to seal the Rubro-Negro triumph. With the result, the Mais Querido reached 70 points and reclaimed the top spot in the Brasileirão, one point ahead of Palmeiras.

The Match

Flamengo started with intensity against Atlético Mineiro and fashioned a promising chance in the opening minute. Arrascaeta delivered an excellent through ball for Pedro in behind the defense. The number 9 got a touch but his attempt was blocked by Delfim. In the sixth minute, however, the visitors capitalized on a swift counterattack to take the lead. Victor Hugo broke free and released Preciado, who drove into the area and sent a low cross toward Bernard, who finished at the far post: 1-0.

Trailing, the Rubro-Negro pressed in search of the equalizer and came close in the 18th minute. Arrascaeta took a corner from the near post, and Pulgar headed powerfully downward. The ball bounced on the turf, but Delfim made a sharp save at the corner. From constant pressure, Mengão drew level in the 33rd minute. Plata received on the right flank and crossed. The ball took a deflection off the post and nestled into the net: 1-1.

The turnaround came swiftly. On the 40-minute mark, Jorginho made a crucial tackle in midfield and found Pulgar, who quickly released Samuel Lino into the box. The forward laid it back for Arrascaeta, who danced past Vitão and curled a shot across the goalkeeper to put the Mais Querido ahead: 2-1. With the turnaround built in the opening 45 minutes, Leonardo Jardim's side went into the break leading.

For the second period, Flamengo emerged with Ayrton Lucas replacing Alex Sandro. Controlling possession, the Rubro-Negro continued working the ball in the attacking third, seeking space to extend their advantage. But following one of Atlético's rare forays forward, the visitors equalized in the 13th minute. Victor Hugo sent a long ball for Renan Lodi, who struck first-time into the opposite corner past Rossi: 2-2.

Flamengo responded immediately. Arrascaeta crossed into the box, and Léo Ortiz rose to head powerfully, forcing Delfim into a full-stretch save that went behind for a corner. Seeking additional attacking firepower, Leonardo Jardim made further changes: Carrascal came on for Plata, Bruno Henrique replaced Pedro, and Lucas Paquetá and Joaquín Freitas entered in place of Jorginho and Arrascaeta.

The clock wore on with Mengão maintaining intensity in pursuit of the winning goal. In the 41st minute, Freitas attempted from the edge of the area, and Delfim appeared once more to parry at the corner. Flamengo threw everything forward and sustained pressure through the closing stages, never relenting in their quest for three points.

And that persistence paid off in the final act! Just as the draw seemed destined to end the evening, Léo Pereira charged forward and was upended by Renan Lodi in the area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Carrascal accepted the responsibility at a crucial moment. With composure, the Colombian struck low into the left corner past Delfim to send the Maracanã into rapture: 3-2!

A goal to reward Rubro-Negro's resilience and transform the late-game pressure into an unforgettable victory. Flamengo believed until the final whistle and was rewarded with three vital points in the title race. With the triumph, the Mais Querido reached 70 points and reclaimed the lead in the Brazilian Championship, one point clear of Palmeiras.

Flamengo

Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro (Ayrton Lucas); Erick Pulgar, Jorginho (Lucas Paquetá) and Arrascaeta (Joaquín Freitas); Plata (Carrascal), Samuel Lino and Pedro (Bruno Henrique).

Manager: Leonardo Jardim.

Atlético Mineiro

Gabriel Delfim; Natanael, Vitão, Lyanco and Renan Lodi; Alan Franco, Maycon (Castaño), Preciado (Minda), Igor Gomes (Reinier) and Bernard (Alexander); Victor Hugo (Vitor Hugo).

Manager: Eduardo Domínguez.

This Week's Fixture

Flamengo return to action on Thursday (29) to face Vasco da Gama at 20:00 at the Nilton Santos Stadium in the 32nd round of the Brazilian Championship.

Match Statistics

Flamengo 3 x 2 Atlético Mineiro – Brazilian Championship | Round 32

Venue: Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Date and kick-off: 26/10/2026, 20:00

Referee: Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima (PE), Maira Mastella Moreira (RS) and Michael Stanislau (RS)

Yellow cards: Léo Pereira (FLA), Carrascal (FLA) and Vitor Hugo (CAM)

Goals: Bernard (6'/1stH), Plata (33'/1stH), Arrascaeta (40'/1stH), Renan Lodi (13'/2ndH) and Carrascal (53'/2ndH).