GOLAZONEWSFlamengo Beats Atlético-MG 3-2 to Secure 2027 Libertadores Spot
- Jorge Carrascal scored a late penalty to secure victory at the Maracanã.
- Flamengo remains at the top of the Brasileirão table with 70 points.
- The win mathematically guarantees the club a place in the 2027 Copa Libertadores.
Flamengo defeated Atlético-MG 3-2 on Monday night in a 32nd-round match of the 2026 Brasileirão. Playing in front of 57,619 paying spectators at the Maracanã, the home side saw goals from Gonzalo Plata, Arrascaeta, and Jorge Carrascal. Bernard and Renan Lodi scored for the visitors, who had briefly opened the scoring early in the first half.
The match was decided in stoppage time when Renan Lodi fouled Leo Pereira in the box. Lodi, who had earlier scored a goal for Atlético, admitted to the error after the game. Carrascal converted the resulting penalty in the 51st minute of the second half. Refereeing analyst PC Oliveira described the challenge as an act of imprudence.
With this result, Flamengo reaches 70 points and maintains its lead in the standings. The victory also confirms the team's qualification for the 2027 Copa Libertadores, as sixth-placed Atlético-MG can no longer overtake them. Manager Leonardo Jardim noted that while the late winner added emotion, his team controlled the game. Arrascaeta stated the win served as a necessary response following their recent elimination from the continental tournament.