On Sunday, March 16, 2025, Flamengo secured the Campeonato Carioca title after drawing 0-0 with their archrivals Fluminense, clinching victory by a 2-1 aggregate score over two legs. The final was held at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, where both teams battled intensely, but it was Flamengo's ability to maintain their lead from the first leg of the tie, won 2-1, which allowed them to celebrate yet another championship.
Despite the lack of goals during the match, Flamengo’s performance remained the talk of the town, particularly due to the controversial officiations. Referee Bruno Arleu de Araújo disallowed two goals from Flamengo, leading to uproars among fans and players alike.
The first disallowed goal came early on from Gonzalo Plata, which was deemed invalid due to an earlier foul committed by Juninho. Just moments after the goal was scored, VAR intervened to review the play. Throughout the back-and-forth, Juninho defended himself during discussions with teammate Varela, as Gustavo Machado, who specializes in lip reading, described later. “Two goals disallowed, what’s this?” Varela exclaimed, illustrating the disbelief among the players.
Not long after, another opportunity slipped away from Flamengo when Michael’s goal was called back for offside, again involving Juninho. The misfortune was palpable, but it didn’t detract from Flamengo's overall achievement. Zico, the legendary figure associated with the club, expressed his early concern about the team's performance, saying, “It started badly, and I was worried. They had to at least be at the final. It was deserved trophy.” Zico’s remarks reflected the pressure felt not only by the players but also by the devoted fans who expected triumph.
Throughout the match, Flamengo showcased their dominance statistically, boasting 63% possession and recording nine attempts on goal compared to Fluminense. The balance of play underscored their strategic superiority even amid the tense atmosphere. Fans and analysts noted the stronghold Flamengo had on the game with their proficient control.
Aside from the game itself, the videos capturing players’ reactions to the disallowed goals and their celebration of lifting the trophy garnered attention. Gustavo Machado’s analysis brought fans closer to the drama, highlighting the passion and tensions felt on the field as players reacted to referee calls. Moments after the final whistle, as players lifted the championship trophy, relief mixed with jubilation was palpable, expressing the culmination of effort and teamwork through the season.
Looking forward, Flamengo prepares to transition their focus to the upcoming Brasileirão, where they will face Internacional on March 29, 2025, at the Maracanã. Following the intense finish to the Carioca Championship, the team aims to carry this momentum forward, hoping to replicate their success on the national stage.
With this win, Flamengo marks their 39th title victory in the Campeonato Carioca, solidifying their position as one of the preeminent football clubs in Brazilian history. The longevity of their success and fan support is likely to continue fueling their ambition as they prepare for new challenges and seek to expand their accolades.
