Brazil Serie A: Flamengo RJ 0-0 vs Santos FC
Santos started the game and were rewarded with an early corner in the first minute. It was Renato who was pressurized into conceding a corner and Marquinhos executed it, only it was never a real threat to the opposition and the Flamengo goal keeper dealt with it effectively. Edu Dracena avoided a yellow card after a risky tackle on David, but Flamengo were awarded a free kick, which Juan shot wide off target.
Renato commited a rash foul on Zezinho, which resulted in a free kick being awarded to Santos, after which they enjoyed a brief period of possession. Ze Eduardo was close to scoring but was called offside and his run went to waste. Arouca was a threat to the Flamengo goal, shooting on every opportunity he got and Marcelo Lomba had to make some good saves to maintain a clean sheet.
As the match went on, there were a few fouls committed, nothing serious enough to bring the yellow cards out, but both sides were awarded free kicks. It seemed like the match was being played from one end to the other, the midfield not proving too useful. Towards the half hour mark, the Flamengo attack seemed relentless and Rafael was called in for some important saves.
As half time was approaching, the hosts seemed like the dominant side, forcing the visitors to make saves and play cautiously. It was their constant attacking that caused Santos to play defensively and only attempt to go forward in the case of a counter attack. However, the Santos defence held on and when the half time whistle blew the score was still 0-0.
After the half time break Santos made two changes, Overath was brought on for Zezinho and Madson took over from Keirrison. This change was intended to present more attacking options in hopes that Santos would break the deadlock and take all three points from the visit. The change seemed to have the desired effect as Ze Eduardo, Madson and Marquinhos made several attempts at goal, all of which were saved.
Up until the hour mark, the match was somewhat even with possession being equally distributed between the two sides. There were several attempts being made for a breakthrough, but it never came and it looked as if both sides had resigned to settle for a draw. Santos made their final substitution with Marcel in for Marquinhos and Flamengo followed suit a few minutes later when they brought in Dejan Petkovic for Renato.
It was Madson who was hard to contain, shooting at every opportunity he got. Unfortunately he did not have enough support and Flamengo did well to deny him every time. When the final whistle blew, the score was 0-0, leaving Santos frustrated as they had hoped to secure all three points from this fixture.
Starting XI
Flamengo RJ: Marcelo Lomba, Ronaldo Angelim, Leonardo Moura, Juan, David, Renato, Toró, Correa, Willians, Deivid, Diogo.
Substitutes: Paulo Victor Mileo Vidotti, Wellinton Souza Da Silva, Vinícius Pacheco, Dejan Petkovic, Maldonado, Kléber, Diego Mauricio.
Santos: Rafael, Edu Dracena, Durval, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Arouca, Zé Eduardo, Marquinhos, Pará, Zezinho, Keirrison.
Substitutes: Felipe, Leo, Maranhao, Bruno Aguiar, Madson, Overath, Marcel.
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