By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Flamengo beat ASA 2-0 last night in the third round first leg of the Copa do Brasil in Arapiraca, in the northeastern state of Alagoas. Goals from Marcelo Moreno and Nixon comfortably gave the Rubro-Negro victory and a huge advantage before the tie’s second leg, which will take place next Wednesday.
< Flamengo have a two-goal advantage before next week's second leg, photo by Ailton Cruz/VIPCOMM.[/caption]
Fla started the game slowly as their hosts applied some early pressure. Youngster Adryan, who started in attack, barely got involved and his frustration boiled over as he picked up a needless yellow card.
Mengão’s best chance in the first half came when González glanced João Paulo’s bending free-kick. Goalkeeper Gilson made a fine save, tipping the ball over the bar.
At half time, Flamengo coach brought on Nixon and Carlos Eduardo for Adryan and Val. The double substitution had the desired effect.
Just after the hour mark, Nixon created the first goal for Marcelo Moreno. He robbed Osmar before teeing up the Bolivian international to open the scoring.
Nine minutes later, Moreno would repay the favor to put the game out of sight. He sent Nixon through, whose shot found the corner to put Flamengo 2-0 up on the night.
In the dying stages, right-back Léo Moura was taken off as a precaution for Diego Silva. The 34-year-old veteran should, however, be fit for Sunday’s clássico clash with Vasco da Gama.
Read more (in Portuguese).
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