Flamengo retakes Brasileirão lead with dramatic 3-2 win over Atlético-MG

Flamengo reclaimed the top spot in the Campeonato Brasileiro following a 3-2 victory against Atlético-MG at the Maracanã. The match, which concluded the 32nd round of the tournament, was decided in stoppage time when Jorge Carrascal converted a penalty after a contested foul by Renan Lodi on Léo Pereira.

Atlético-MG opened the scoring early in the first half through Bernard. Flamengo responded before the interval with goals from Gonzalo Plata and Giorgian de Arrascaeta to take a 2-1 lead. Atlético-MG leveled the score in the second half via a strike from Renan Lodi, setting the stage for Carrascal’s decisive late penalty.

With this win, Flamengo reaches 70 points, moving one point ahead of second-placed Palmeiras with six rounds remaining in the season. The victory also mathematically guarantees Flamengo a spot in the 2027 Copa Libertadores. Flamengo's coach, Leonardo Jardim, noted that the win provided a necessary boost in confidence following the team's recent elimination from the Libertadores semifinals.