By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Flamengo beat Atlético-PR 2-0 last night to win their third Copa do Brasil title. Following a 1-1 draw in last week’s first leg, yesterday’s win gave the Rubro-Negro a 3-1 aggregate victory in front of a packed house at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio.
Elias and Hernane, Flamengo‘s two consistently high performers throughout 2013, scored the goals on a memorable night for the club. The cup win means they will be playing Copa Libertadores football next season.
Hernane also won the trophy for leading scorer in the competition with eight goals. The Flamengo number nine has had an excellent season, netting 34 goals.
The first half was a tense affair and as the second half kicked off there was clear tension in the stands. Luiz Antonio was Flamengo’s best attacking outlet, getting down the right flank to try and provide service to the forward line.
He also went close with two efforts but was thwarted by Atlético goalkeeper Everton. Atlético, however, offered little in attack, Flamengo goalkeeper Felipe only being forced into one save.
Atlético only pushed forward in the closing stages as they tried to catch Fla on the counter. Paulo Baier, their main creative source in midfield, offered little in the way of innovation.
Four minutes from time came the killer blow. Paulinho put in a low cross from the left and Elias converted. As Atlético went for broke, they left huge gaps to be exploited. Four minutes into injury-time, Hernane put the cherry on Flamengo’s Copa do Brasil cake.
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