Flamengo Dominates Internacional's Reserves 3-1: A Lesson in Strategy

Flamengo Thrashes Inter's Reserves 3-1: When the Colorado Strategy Backfires

Flamengo dominates Internacional's reserve squad 3-1 at the Beira-Rio before their decisive Libertadores showdown.

Just imagine: you're playing a video game against your younger brother and decide to use your benchwarmers in FIFA to "give him a chance." The result? You get completely thrashed and end up with egg on your face. That's pretty much what happened to Internacional yesterday at the Beira-Rio.

Flamengo extended their lead in the 'trilogy' against Internacional by winning 3-1 this Sunday, in a match that served as an appetizer for the main course to come: the Libertadores Round of 16 clash on Wednesday.

The Game of Choices (Or How Not to Rotate)

Coach Roger Machado had a dilemma: rest his starters for the Libertadores or try to keep the momentum going in the Brasileirão? He chose the first option and… well, it is what it is. While coach Filipe Luís made only minor changes to the Carioca team, the Colorados went in with pretty much their B-team – and look, it's not to disrespect the guys, but soccer is just that cruel sometimes.

On the red-and-black side, things were different. Filipe Luís put a strong team on the field, respected the opponent (even though they were reserves), and showed that in Brazilian soccer, a misstep is a goal. And they scored three of them.

Pedro, The Guy Who Won't Stop Scoring

Pedro scored twice and once again showed why he's considered one of the best center forwards in Brazil. The guy is on such a good streak that he probably dreams about hitting the back of the net. It's impressive how he finds space where, theoretically, none exists.

Honestly, watching Pedro play soccer is like watching a guy who was born for this – because he was. Every move is calculated, every shot has a purpose. It's no wonder people are already talking about him getting called up for the National Team (and let's be honest, they're not wrong).

The Simple Math of Soccer

Let's do the math: Internacional with reserves + a nearly full-strength Flamengo = a predictable result. But soccer isn't an exact science, right? Well, sometimes it is. Plata extended the lead for the Mais Querido (Most Beloved), making the score even more lopsided, while Borré scored for the home team – at least to reduce the embarrassment.

What's striking is how Flamengo took advantage of the space that Inter's reserve team left. It wasn't malice; it was pure skill. And skill in soccer translates into goals.

Between the Strategic Mistake and the Right Call

Now, let's be fair: Inter's strategy wasn't dumb. Thinking coldly, having your starters rested for a do-or-die Libertadores game makes perfect sense. The problem is that in Brazilian soccer, every game counts — and counts for a lot. Especially when you're fighting for important positions in the standings.

(Could it be that Roger Machado didn't calculate that Flamengo would come out with everything? Or did he think the reserves could handle the job?)

What's Next

Flamengo is now preparing to face Vitória at the Maracanã next Monday, but everyone knows the real focus is on Wednesday. It will be the same stage, the same opponents, but this time with Internacional's starters on the field.

And that's where things get interesting. Flamengo showed that they are physically and mentally prepared. Internacional showed that... well, that they have a reserve team that still needs to evolve. But in the Libertadores, with Borré, Valencia, and the rest of the crew, the story could be completely different.

Final Stats - Match Statistics:

FLAMENGO

• Tactical Formation: 4-2-3-1

• Ball Possession: 58%

• Shots: 12 (8 on goal)

• Corners: 6

• Fouls: 14

• Cards: 2 yellow

• Passes: 487 (81% accuracy)

INTERNACIONAL

• Tactical Formation: 4-3-3

• Ball Possession: 42%

• Shots: 8 (3 on goal)

• Corners: 4

• Fouls: 16

• Cards: 3 yellow

Passes: 368 (74% accuracy)