Flamengo – Vasco: Diniz’s Vasco surpasses own limits in 1-1 draw

Filipe Luís’ Flamengo was considered the favorite to win the Matchday 24 Brasileirão classic. Leaders, they faced Fernando Diniz’s Vasco, who has been oscillating quite a bit and looking closely at the more delicate part of the table. However, the result was a draw where Flamengo fell below their own standards and Vasco exceeded expectations based on their performance, in a constant exchange of good tactical reads from both coaches.

Tactical analysis and match report by Marcus Arboés.

Flamengo is in a critical period of the season with a decisive Copa Libertadores game in midweek. Therefore, they decided to rest some important starters, such as Arrascaeta (Uruguay National Team) and Pedro (former Brazil). As a result, the lineup featured goalkeeper Rossi; Emerson Royal (former Milan) on the right, Ayrton Lucas on the left, Danilo (former Juventus) and Léo Ortiz as center-backs. In midfield, Saúl (former Atleti) played alongside Allan, Jorginho’s substitute, while Carrascal (former Spartak) acted as an advanced midfielder. Up front, Bruno Henrique played as target man, Everton Cebolinha (former Benfica) on the left, and Plata (Ecuador) on the right.

Diniz’s side also lined up in a 4-2-3-1 outline, but logically without following a positional play structure. In goal, Léo Jardim. In defense: Paulo Henrique on the right and Puma Rodríguez improvised on the left; the central pair debuted together with Cuesta and Robert Renan. With absences in midfield, Coutinho (former Barcelona and Bayern) played alongside young Cauan Barros and Hugo Moura, who had been used as a center-back. Up front, Portuguese Nuno Moreira played on the left and the big prospect Rayan on the . . .