SC Internacional – Flamengo: Flamengo’s control almost undone by needless aggression (1-1, 1-3 on aggregate)

Flamengo’s first half performance was superior in nearly every way to the host’s, both in terms of keeping the ball and defending against it. However, the second half’s change in momentum came down to Internacional chasing the tie, leading to some scrappier, uglier and especially disjointed periods of football.

Tactical analysis and match report by Peter M.

Off the back of last week’s first leg, which saw host side Flamengo win 2-0, this was Odair Hellmann’s side’s chance to make a response. And, by the look of their home form, you would not have bet against it – they still have yet to lose at home coming up to the midpoint in the Brazilian Série A season. They even beat league-leaders Flamengo 2-1 on home turf earlier this year.

Jorge Jesus has only been in charge of the visitors, here, since the beginning of June, but has made quite the impact. He has overseen seven league wins from ten matches – losing only once – while, of course, guiding them to the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores for this tie.

Clearly both managers were still content with their selections from the first leg, too, as there was only one change across the two sides – Willian Arão dropped out of Flamengo’s midfield to be replaced by Gerson.

Early, expected pressure creates a big chance

As can be expected of these ties, it was infused with relentless energy and, thus, pressing. This was extremely visible in the way Flamengo approached Internacional. 

Fewer than two minutes had passed by the time . . .