By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A late Hernane goal gave Flamengo a 2-1 win over Bahia at the Maracanã last night in the Brasileirão. Three more points put more breathing space between the Rubro-Negro and the relegation zone after a turbulent season.
Hernane highlighted his happiness to have scored the winner at the final whistle. “That goal was undoubtedly the most important for me, we were in a difficult situation.
“I scored when the fans were booing Jayme [the coach] and I went to celebrate with him. The match was very difficult, we were tired, but the important thing is the victory,” he said.
Flamengo also had goalkeeper Felipe to thank for last night’s victory. Two incredible saves, one in injury time, ensured the Carioca club walked away with the victory in the bag.
After a goalless first half, Flamengo took the lead six minutes into the second. André Santos sent in a cross and Paulinho rose highest to head the ball home.
The noise in the stadium rose as Flamengo looked to extend their lead but they were pegged back on 78 minutes. Souza, on as a substitute for Barbio, teed up Fernandão to send a shot past Felipe and level the scores. Coach Jayme took off playmaker Elias for defensive midfielder Val and felt the wrath of the Flamenguistas. However, he was vindicated five minutes from time when Hernane scored the winner, his thirteenth goal of the Brasileirão campaign.
At the Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, Fluminense went down 1-0 to Cruzeiro after a Borges strike. The Tricolor remain three points above the relegation zone.
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