Flamengo Extends Brazilian Serie A Lead After Victory Over Bragantino
Flamengo solidified its position at the top of the Campeonato Brasileiro (Brazilian Championship) by defeating RB Bragantino 2-1 this Sunday (September 20, 2026), at the Maracanã Stadium. The result extended the lead for Mengão (Flamengo’s nickname) to three points at the top of the league, in a match where the Rio de Janeiro team demonstrated control and efficiency.
The red-and-black squad put forth a dominant performance, securing the victory with goals from Varela and Pedro. Despite an own goal by Bruno Henrique narrowing the lead, Flamengo managed to hold on to the result, counting on the crowd’s support to clinch three more crucial points in the final stretch of the Brasileirão (Brazilian Serie A).
Red-and-Black Dominance and Decisive Goals
From the opening minutes, Flamengo dictated the game’s tempo, controlling possession and seeking openings in RB Bragantino‘s defense. A concern arose early, in the fourth minute, with an injury to Ayrton Lucas, who was replaced by Alex Sandro. Shortly after, a well-worked play resulted in the opening goal.
A beautiful cross from Carrascal found Guillermo Varela, who, with opportunistic positioning, found the back of the net in the 13th minute of the first half. This was Varela‘s fifth goal for Flamengo, his first of the 2026 season. The team continued to press, creating several chances and showcasing their superiority on the field, with 67% possession and eight shots in the first 45 minutes.
The second half maintained the same tone. In the 25th minute, following a corner kick taken by Arrascaeta and a deflection by Jorginho, Pedro scored Flamengo‘s second goal, reaching 178 goals for the club. The striker solidifies his status as one of the team’s top scorers, with 26 goals this season.
Match Details and Upcoming Fixtures
Despite the dominance, RB Bragantino managed to reduce the deficit in stoppage time with an own goal by Bruno Henrique, following a cross from Ignácio Sosa. However, Flamengo maintained its defensive strength to secure the victory.
The team managed by Leonardo Jardim played with: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Saúl, and Arrascaeta; Plata, Carrascal, and Pedro. RB Bragantino, coached by Vagner Mancini, took the field with Tiago Volpi; Sant’Anna, Rodríguez, Gustavo Marques, and Vanderlan; Fabinho, Eric Ramires, and Rodriguinho; Lucas Barbosa, Pitta, and Fernando.
With the conclusion of this round, Flamengo focuses on the break for the FIFA International break. Mengão‘s next challenge will be on the 8th of next month against Santos at Vila Belmiro, for the 29th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.
The match took place at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, with refereeing by Rodrigo José Pereira de Lima (PE). Yellow cards were shown to Alex Sandro, Varela, and Bruno Henrique (FLA), and to Fernando, Sant’Anna, and Herrera (RBB).
By Equipe M360
