Palmeiras get revenge, thrash Fla in 'final' and go clear

At the Maracanã, Palmeiras beat Flamengo 3-0 this Saturday (23) in a match valid for the 17th round of the 2026 Brasileirão.

Before kickoff, the Flamengo fans taunted the green-and-white side over their fourth Copa Libertadores title at the end of 2025.

Tonight’s match had even been given the status of a "final" because of the rivals’ positions in the table and the break for the World Cup at the end of May.

Flamengo actually started better, testing goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, who had to make saves from Samuel Lino and Lucas Paquetá.

However, in the 20th minute, Carrascal raised his leg too high and struck Murilo in the face, receiving a straight red card.

The match then changed completely, with Palmeiras taking control and scoring first through Flaco López.

Marlon Freitas played the ball into the box for Allan, who set up the Argentine. The striker kept his composure to get past Léo Pereira and smashed it home.

Even with one player fewer on the pitch, Flamengo came back from the break threatening Carlos Miguel, who made a great save from Samuel Lino’s header.

However, in the 10th minute, on a quick transition, Allan made a good individual play and slipped it into the box for Jhon Arias, who shot straight at the defender. 

The Palmeiras youngster got to the rebound, deflecting it with his SHOULDER, and took advantage of a weak-handed effort from Rossi to extend the lead at the Maracanã.

With a considerable deficit on the scoreboard, Flamengo threw themselves forward but barely troubled Carlos Miguel again.

In stoppage time, on a deadly counterattack, Paulinho got a touch in the six-yard box and benefited from ANOTHER MISTAKE by Rossi to seal the scoreline.

During the celebration, Paulinho taunted the Flamengo fans by asking them to be quiet. A huge confrontation then broke out involving the players and coaching staffs.

🚦 How it stands

After three straight draws in the Brasileirão, leaders Palmeiras reached 38 points and opened up a seven-point gap over Flamengo themselves (31 points), who still have a game in hand, and an eight-point lead over Fluminense (30 points).

Already qualified for the Libertadores round of 16, Flamengo host Cusco at the Maracanã next Tuesday (26) in the final round of the group stage.

Palmeiras, meanwhile, face Junior Barranquilla at Allianz Parque on Thursday (28), needing a win to book their place in the next round of the continental tournament.

And next weekend brings the final Brasileirão round before the break for the World Cup.

Flamengo face Coritiba at the Maracanã on Saturday (30), while Palmeiras host Chapecoense at Allianz Parque on Sunday (31).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.