By finding the back of the net in Flamengo’s victory over Bahia, midfielder Lucas Paquetá became the red-and-black’s second-leading scorer of the 2026 season.
Flamengo maintained sole possession of first place in the Brazilian Serie A by defeating Bahia 3–0. The match, played last Sunday (18th), reinforced the excellent run of form currently enjoyed by the Rio de Janeiro squad in the national competition.
In addition to securing three points in the standings, the match was marked by a significant individual milestone. By scoring against the opponent, midfielder Lucas Paquetá surpassed Samuel Lino to become the club’s second-highest scorer of the year.
The player now has 13 goals scored throughout 2026. He trails only forward Pedro, who leads the team’s overall ranking with 25 goals.
Decisive masterpiece off the bench
Called upon by the manager in the 23rd minute of the second half, Lucas Paquetá needed very little time to showcase his genius on the pitch.
In the 33rd minute, the midfielder capitalized on a loose ball at the edge of the penalty box. With dazzling dribbles, he left two defenders behind and struck an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Ronaldo.
The stellar performance crowned the efficiency of the number 11, who also created other clear goalscoring opportunities in the final minutes of the match.
The aesthetic brilliance of the goal and the impact off the bench solidify the player’s leading role in the decisive stretch of the season.
Total focus on the Copa Libertadores
Following their brilliance in the national tournament, Flamengo turns its attention to the international stage. The next challenge will be a crucial clash against Argentina’s Estudiantes.
The match takes place this Thursday (22nd) at the Maracanã stadium, with a spot in the grand final of the Copa Libertadores on the line. Since the first leg ended in a 0–0 draw, any win by a single goal will secure qualification for the Brazilian side.
