Flamengo showcased their supremacy by defeating Maricá with a resounding 5-0 scoreline during the Copa Guanabara on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Maracanã Stadium. This victory not only marked Flamengo's 25th title win of the Copa but reinforced their strength within the tournament.
The match kicked off with fireworks, as Flamengo quickly took control. A mere six minutes in, star player Giorgian De Arrascaeta came tantalizingly close, hitting the crossbar with a powerful attempt. But the breakthrough arrived shortly afterward, with Gerson scoring the first goal at the 16-minute mark, following excellent build-up play. Just nine minutes later, Leo Ortiz doubled the lead, sending Flamengo fans clamoring for more.
Flamengo continued to press aggressively, demonstrating their offensive prowess. The second half saw more of the same, with Arrascaeta netting the third goal just 11 minutes after the break. Following his lead, Luiz Araújo scored again, making it 4-0, before Matheus Gonçalves finished off the scoring for the day at the 35th minute of the second half.
Despite the spectacular scoreline, the atmosphere was somewhat muted as organized supporters protested against soaring ticket costs, ranging from $60 to $450. This dissatisfaction translated to attendance figures below expectations, with only around 29,000 fans present to witness the victory.
Flamengo did not just win on the scoreboard; they dominated the game statistically, maintaining their status as the top team throughout the competition, racking up 25 goals and conceding only five over the tournament. Following this performance, Flamengo now eagerly awaits their next opponent for the semifinals, which will be determined after the conclusion of the group stage.
The team's coach, Filipe Luis, expressed pride over the performance, emphasizing the team's solid tactics and their relentless search for goals. He strokes the effectiveness of the aggressive gameplay strategy exhibited, translating on-field success to off-field celebrations as they lifted the Copa Guanabara trophy.
On the other hand, Maricá, albeit defeated, is marked for their discipline throughout the match, managing to complete the game without picking up any yellow cards. Their efforts, as they face their debut year among the elite, will surely serve as lessons for future matches as they look forward to returning stronger and securing their position by qualifying for the Copa again.
With this decisive win, Flamengo not only validated their status as competition leaders but also as favorites for upcoming stages within the season. The team's capacity to deliver dominant performances will be pivotal as they navigate through the next phases of competition.