Corinthians draws with Flamengo on Mano Menezes’ return to Itaquera – 10/07/2023 – Sport

In a game that marked Mano Menezes’ return to the Neo Química Arena as coach of Corinthians, the São Paulo team managed to get a draw after coming out at a disadvantage against Flamengo, this Saturday (7). The duel for the 26th round of the Brazilian Championship ended 1-1, with goals from Gerson for the Rio team and Fábio Santos for Alvinegro.

It was Corinthians’ second match under the command of the coach from Rio Grande do Sul on the sidelines of the field in his recently started third spell at the club. The debut had been in the elimination against Fortaleza in the semi-final of the Copa Sudamericana, with a 2-0 defeat away from home, last Tuesday.

Hours before the duel against the Cariocas, members of Corinthians’ main organized fans had held a protest at Parque São Jorge, the club’s headquarters, with slogans against the board and the poor phase of the black and white team.

Flamengo, in turn, was making its second appearance after the dismissal of Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli and was once again led by interim Mario Jorge. The Rio board is negotiating with Tite, former coach of the Brazilian team.

With the ball rolling, Corinthians tried to be more aggressive than usual in the initial moments, but soon gave way to the Rio team’s better playmaking quality. Flamengo was better in the first half and managed 11 shots, compared to five from the home team.

In one of them, Ayrton Lucas received the ball in the area, dribbled past Fagner and demanded a great save from goalkeeper Cássio, face to face, in the 30th minute. In the next move, Everton Ribeiro hit the crossbar with a cross shot also from the right side of the Corinthians defense.

The tone remained after the break, and Flamengo opened the scoring just 8 minutes into the second half. After Giuliano’s pass error in midfield, the visiting team counterattacked and Gerson hit a bomb into Cássio’s left corner, with no chance for the goalkeeper.

Without much organization or good tactical alternatives, Corinthians went to bat and found the equalizer from a penalty kick, after Leo Pereira blocked a shot from Fábio Santos with his arm. The full-back himself took the shot and tied the match, 34 minutes into the final stage.

With the result, Corinthians temporarily breathes at the bottom of the table, with 31 points — four above Santos, which opens the relegation zone. Flamengo, on the other hand, loses the chance to return to the G4 and appears in fifth place, with 44.