Maracanã erupts as Flamengo storm top before world stage | OneFootball

Flamengo closed their domestic campaign before the Club World Cup in emphatic style, demolishing Fortaleza 5-0 at a packed Maracanã to leapfrog into first place in the Brasileirão standings. The match, Flamengo’s last at home before their trip to the United States, was defined by relentless attacking play and a second-half surge that left the visitors with no response.

From the opening whistle, Flamengo imposed their rhythm, dominating possession and pinning Fortaleza deep. The breakthrough came at the 29-minute mark when Léo Ortiz split the Fortaleza defense with a precise pass, allowing Arrascaeta to finish clinically—his ninth league goal, extending his lead in the scoring charts. The Uruguayan’s influence was constant, dictating the pace and building on his recent record as the league’s top assist provider in the points era.

Flamengo nearly doubled the advantage before half-time, with Luiz Araújo striking the woodwork, signaling the home side’s intent. After the interval, Fortaleza’s resistance collapsed. Just three minutes in, Evertton Araújo rifled home from the edge of the area. Moments later, Luiz Araújo struck twice—his first two goals in this year’s competition—capping off flowing moves that underlined Flamengo’s technical superiority. Michael, coming off the bench, added the fourth before Luiz Araújo completed his brace, benefitting from a Pedro assist.

The statistics reflected Flamengo’s dominance: more than 63% possession, 12 shots on target (to Fortaleza’s 3), and 560 completed passes. Over 64,000 supporters filled the Maracanã, where a pre-match mosaic honored the club’s 1981 world champions.

For Fortaleza, it was a chastening evening. Goalkeeper João Ricardo made several saves, but could do little to halt the wave of attacks. The defeat sent them into the relegation zone, level on points but trailing Vitória on goal difference. Both coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda and forward Marinho addressed the loss afterward, each calling for unity and apologizing for the performance. “We must keep working—words alone won’t change this,” said Marinho. Vojvoda described the match as a “very difficult, painful moment,” urging fans to stick together as the club faces a crucial stretch in their campaign.

Flamengo’s squad depth was apparent. Filipe Luís rotated in second-half substitutes like Michael, Pedro, and Erick Pulgar—himself returning from injury—without disrupting the team’s fluency. Matías Viña and Pulgar also reappeared after injury layoffs, bolstering options ahead of the international trip. Several first-team regulars, including Léo Ortiz and Gerson, will now link up with the Brazilian national side for the FIFA break.

Next, Flamengo set their sights on the World Cup in the U.S., opening against Espérance de Tunis on June 16. Fortaleza, meanwhile, have over a week to recover before facing Santos in a relegation battle.

Source: Lance, UOL, Globo