An early goal granted Flamengo a narrow 1-0 victory over Coritiba on Thursday, at the Couto Pereira stadium. Rubro-Negro can now afford to draw at Maracana and still qualify for the Copa do Brasil round of 16.
Muniz scored after being called up to replace Gabigol, who was unable to go to Coritiba.
Despite the absence of their talisman Gabigol, Flamengo were superior to Coritiba, especially in the first half, when they had 72 percent of the ball and absolutely controlled the game.
After Vitinho’s cross from a corner kick, Muniz, who had taken over in place of Gabigol, scored with a header in the 16th minute.
Muniz doubled the visitors’ advantage minutes later, but the goal was disallowed due to a Bruno Henrique violation in the build-up, despite the fact that many felt the decision to cancel the goal was incorrect. It did spark some angry reactions from the Flamengo stars.
In the first half, Flamengo’s goalkeeper, Diego Alves, was not put to the test. Coritiba improved in the second half following many substitutes made after the halftime. They were only able to reduce the opponent’s possession control and were more active in attack, but having no clear shot at tying the game.
Flamengo slowed the game down a lot to defend their lead, and they were closer to scoring their second goal than the hosts were to tying the game.
Rodinei, a Flamengo right-back who was brought in to replace Matheuzinho after a loan spell at Internacional, made his debut and impressed.
In the end, Flamengo did enough to hold on to their lead as they now have one foot in the next round of the competition.
