Carrascal receives a yellow card for a harsh foul; São Paulo puts pressure on Flamengo in a game taken by the Brasileirão

The match started with the ball rolling in Vila Belmiro, and the first minutes already indicated balance between the teams. Plata was launched at speed early on, but the Tricolor defense cut the play short. In the 2nd minute, São Paulo opened the scoring with Luciano taking advantage after Tapia’s error in cutting Ferreira’s cross.

• In the 4th minute, a penalty was awarded to Flamengo after Pablo Maia contacted Plata in the area; Arrascaeta converted firmly into the right corner in the 7th minute, tying the game at 1-1.
• In the 29th minute, Luiz Gustavo risked a strong shot from outside the area after Ferreira’s cross, but the ball went over Rossi’s goal.
• In the 33rd minute, Carrascal finished from the small area after Plata’s cross, but Sabino blocked it for a corner.
• In the 34th minute, Saúl headed over after a cross at the first post, wasting a red-black chance.
• In the 39th minute, a yellow card for Carrascal for a harsh foul on Luciano near the baseline.

These moments highlight the intensity of the first half, with the game still ongoing and opportunities for both sides.

Moments of tension on the lawn

In the 35th minute, confusion arose near the baseline, with Alex Sandro and Arboleda fighting for the ball and the referee hesitating between a goal kick and a corner, opting for a corner for Flamengo. This decision generated complaints from the bank tricor, but the game continued without further incident.

Ferreira stood out in the 38th minute with an individual play, applying a pen to Royal and invading the area before crossing backwards, forcing the red and black defense to cut for a corner. Plata, for Flamengo, tried a risky dribble in the 40th minute from the right wing, but Arboleda got the better of the clean tackle.

The confrontation reflects different aspirations: São Paulo, with six expulsions this season, seeks stability for the G-7, while Flamengo, with four expulsions, maintains a recent unbeaten record in visits to the coast of São Paulo. The fans present, despite the partial audience, create an atmosphere of mutual pressure.

Tactical strategies on the field

Hernán Crespo opted for a 3-4-3 formation for São Paulo, prioritizing quick transitions with midfielders like Luiz Gustavo covering spaces. Adapting to Vila Belmiro, smaller than Morumbi, requires adjustments in aerial balls, where Arboleda has been fundamental, winning high-flying duels in 70% of disputes.

Filipe Luís, at Flamengo, used an offensive 4-3-3, with Arrascaeta acting as a central playmaker to explore mid-range shots, an area in which the team leads with 52 goals this season. Carrascal’s entry in place of Lino brought more mobility, but the yellow card limited his actions in the final minutes of the opening half.

Offensive pressure and firm defenses

São Paulo put pressure on in the 29th minute with Ferreira’s play on the right, crossing for Tapia to dispute high up, but the partial cut fell to Luiz Gustavo, whose shot failed.Orte came out on top. This sequence illustrates the average of five corners per game for Tricolor, a tool to threaten Rossi’s goal.

On the red and black side, the counterattack in the 28th minute saw Plata attacking Lino on the left, with a shot cut by Ferraresi inside the area. In the 32nd minute, Carrascal looked for a long cross for Plata, but the defense cut it efficiently, maintaining balance on the scoreboard.

In the 36th minute, a tricolor cross into the area resulted in a firm cut by the Flemish defense, avoiding scares. These exchanges of pressure highlight the gap in shots from outside the area, with Flamengo more efficient, but São Paulo compensating with a volume of attacks from the flanks.

Classic history and numbers

The clashes between São Paulo and Flamengo total more than 100 official matches, with a slight red-black advantage in victories. At Vila Belmiro, Flamengo broke their fast in 2009, scoring three goals in a campaign that won the title. This year, the Brasileirão has 32 rounds played, with the Flemish leader scoring 64 points against 44 for eighth place.

Card statistics show São Paulo with 2.9 yellow cards per game, compared to the opponent’s 2.1, totaling 10 joint expulsions. The efficiency in corners favors Tricolor with 5 per match, while Flamengo stands out in ball possession, above 55% in the last duels.

Pre-game included bus arrivals and speeches from coaches: Crespo emphasized adaptation to the new stadium, and Filipe Luís projected a focus on leadership. The tricolor fans filled the available stands, creating a full house atmosphere despite the change of venue.