Defending champions Flamengo took a big step towards reaching the final of the Copa do Brasil football competition after winning their semi-final first leg against Atletico Mineiro 2-0 here.
Paraguay international midfielder Victor Caceres opened the scoring at the Maracana Stadium Wednesday with a header before Chicao converted a penalty, after Gabriel was brought down by Josue, reported Xinhua.
The return match will be played at the Estadio Independencia in Belo Horizonte Nov 5.
"Whoever came to the Maracana tonight saw a great match, but it isn't over," Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Flamengo coach, said after the match.
"This is a game of 180 minutes. We are on the right track and showed great focus against a team that is very difficult to play," he added.
In Wednesday's other semi-final first leg, Cruzeiro defeated Santos 1-0 in Belo Horizonte.
The winners of the Copa do Brasil will earn a berth in next year's Copa Libertadores, South America's premier club competition.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app