INTO THE SEMI-FINALS! Flamengo defeats Fluminense 3-1 and advances in women's Copa do Brasil

Through grit, commitment and talent, Flamengo have secured their place in the semi-finals of the women's Copa do Brasil! After suffering defeat in the first leg, Rubro-Negro asserted themselves with a flawless performance and, despite playing with 10 players for much of the second half, overcame Fluminense 3-1 at Luso Brasileiro. The result sees the side managed by Celso Silva guaranteed a spot in the national tournament's semi-final stage. Goals were scored by Jucinara, Kaylane and Laysa.

The match

Knowing victory was essential, Flamengo started aggressively, applying relentless pressure and allowing their opponents no respite. Their overwhelming attacking intent bore fruit quickly. In the 10th minute, Ju Ferreira delivered a cross, Cristiane helped it on and Jucinara — the Queen of Derbies — struck powerfully: 1-0 and the aggregate tied.

The advantage left Mengão in complete control and the second goal was merely a matter of time. In the 19th minute, Djeni sent a ball into the box, Karina deflected it and the ball fell cleanly to Kaylane. The number 20 showed nerves of steel and chipped goalkeeper Kemelli. At that stage of the competition, progression was increasingly within their grasp.

Even with a 2-0 lead, the team continued attacking and created danger in the 24th minute. Fabi Simões delivered a good pass to Laysa, whose effort was weak. By the 33rd minute, what was already positive became even better. Following a corner kick, Núbia adjusted and Laysa finished into the corner: 3-0. The opening 45 minutes concluded perfectly.

After the restart, Fluminense balanced the play and Flamengo managed the pressure well. With Núbia and Flávia Mota commanding at the back, Rubro-Negro restricted their opponents to long balls and benefited from Vivi Holzel having an outstanding evening. At times, Laysa and Anna Luiza burst forward on the counter-attack but could not convert.

In the 25th minute, Sofia was sent off for a foul on Carioca and Fluminense began creating chances. In one, at the 37th minute, the referee pointed to the spot and Nath Rodrigues converted: 3-1. In the closing stages, those at Luso Brasileiro witnessed a true battle as the Girls from Gávea represented the Sacred Mantle with passion, heart and determination. It was the way this nation loves its football. And the result could not have been different: 3-1 victory, qualification for the semi-finals and jubilation on the pitch.

What's next

Flamengo await their opponent, to be determined in tomorrow's draw (23), but before that will take to the field in the Carioca Women's championship next week

Flamengo

Vivi Holzel; Monalisa (Sofia), Núbia, Flávia Mota and Jucinara (Maisa); Ju Ferreira, Djeni and Kaylane; Fabi Simões (Anna Luiza), Laysa (Layza Cavalcanti) and Cristiane (Letícia).

Manager: Celso Silva.

Fluminense

Kemelli; Keké, Nath Rodrigues, Gislaine (Anny) and Debora Sorriso; Karina, Driely (Beatriz Colares), Raquel Fernandes and Louvain (Carioca); Bruna Pelé (Kaline) and Lelê (Sochor).

Manager: Saulo Silva.

Match details

Flamengo 3-1 Fluminense - Quarter-final, second leg, women's Copa do Brasil

Venue: Luso Brasileiro

Date and time: 22/10 at 19:00 (local)

Yellow cards: Djeni and Ju Ferreira (FLA) / Nath Rodrigues, Gislaine and Debora Sorriso (FLU)

Red cards: Sofia and Kaylane - after full-time (FLA)

Goals: Jucinara (10' 1H), Kaylane (19' 1H), Laysa (33' 2H) and Nath Rodrigues (37' 2H).