Flamengo beat Gremio at Maracanã to extend lead atop the Brasileirão

Flamengo have completed their rout of Gremio at the Maracanã, securing a dominant 3-1 victory on Wednesday to strengthen their grip on the Brasileirão title race. Samuel Lino opened the scoring and Pedro struck twice to seal the win, moving the Rio club to 76 points — six clear of second-place Palmeiras heading into matchday 35.

The Match

Flamengo imposed their rhythm from the outset, with midfielder Erick Pulgar testing Gabriel Grando early on following a first-time strike from the edge of the box in the second minute. Head coach Leonardo Jardim's men controlled the attacking half, moving the ball fluidly in search of gaps in Gremio's defence.

The Rubro-Negro's patience bore fruit in the 19th minute. Arrascaeta threaded a fine pass to Samuel Lino, who drove into the box and forced a save from Grando. Lino reacted quickest to the rebound, prodding home his 17th goal of the season and sparking celebrations among the Maracanã faithful.

The hosts did not relent, doubling their advantage in the 27th minute with a strike of quality. Carrascal received possession with his back to goal, lifted a delicate chip over two defenders and laid the ball into the path of Pedro. The striker showed composure to finish past Grando as the goalkeeper advanced.

Flamengo added a third before the break. After Varela's cross into the box met a scramble in Gremio's defence, Samuel Lino latched onto the loose ball, and though Grando made a second save, Pedro was alert to the rebound, bundling home his second to cap a devastating opening 45 minutes.

Linked with the result secured, Leonardo Jardim introduced Luiz Araújo and Emerson Royal at the interval, replacing Carrascal and Ayrton Lucas respectively.

The second half unfolded at a more measured tempo, with Flamengo content to manage their lead. Gremio mounted a more offensive approach and pulled one back in the 74th minute through Amuzu's free kick, a moment of quality from the visitors.

Shortly after conceding, Flamengo made another change, introducing Bruno Henrique for Arrascaeta. In the 75th minute, Pedro came close to a hat-trick, gliding past Grando after a deft pass from Samuel Lino and picking out the corner, but his effort brushed the post.

As the match progressed, the Rubro-Negro shifted focus to controlling possession in advanced areas, managing the scoreline comfortably through to the final whistle. Freitas and Saúl entered late in place of Samuel Lino and Pedro respectively. After four minutes of added time, the referee's whistle confirmed another victory for Jardim's side at their fortress.

The result extends Flamengo's advantage in the title race to six points over Palmeiras, with the Rubro-Negro's credentials as frontrunners on firmer ground than ever.

Flamengo Lineup

Rossi; Varela, Leo Ortiz, Leo Pereira, Ayrton Lucas (Emerson Royal); Erick Pulgar, Jorginho, Arrascaeta (Bruno Henrique); Carrascal (Luiz Araújo), Samuel Lino (Freitas), Pedro (Saúl).

Head Coach: Leonardo Jardim.

Gremio Lineup

Gabriel Grando; Marcos Rocha (João Pedro), Gustavo Martins, Kannemann (Krovinovic), Pedro Gabriel (Enamorado); Dodi, Villasanti, Noriega; Tetê (Amuzu), Caio Paulista, Braithwaite (Matheus Nascimento).

Head Coach: Renato Gaúcho.

Next Fixture

Flamengo travel to face Athletico-PR on Monday, November 18 at 8:30pm BRT at the Maracanã for matchday 35 of the Brasileirão. The Rubro-Negro faithful are called upon to support the squad in another chapter of their campaign for the title.

Match Statistics

Flamengo 3-1 Gremio – Campeonato Brasileiro | Matchday 34

Venue: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Date and Time: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 7:30pm BRT

Referee: Paulo Cesar Zanovelli da Silva (MG), Victor Hugo Imazu dos Santos (PR), Fernanda Nandrea Gomes Antunes (MG).

Yellow Cards: Kannemann and Villasanti (Gremio).

Goals: Samuel Lino (19'/1H), Pedro (27'/1H and 46'/1H), Amuzu (24'/2H).