Flamengo Advances to Carioca Semifinal, Paquetá and Pulgar Seal Victory
Flamengo secured their place in the Campeonato Carioca semifinal with a 2-1 victory over Botafogo on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Goals from Lucas Paquetá and Erick Pulgar proved decisive at the Nilton Santos stadium, setting up a clash with Madureira in the next round.
First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone
The match began with Flamengo asserting control, putting pressure on Botafogo’s build-up play. Flamengo’s attacking intent paid off in the 19th minute when Bruno Henrique set up Lucas Paquetá, who finished with precision to open the scoring. Botafogo struggled to create clear-cut chances, finding difficulty in their final passes.
Second-Half Fightback and Flamengo’s Response
Botafogo emerged for the second half with renewed energy, pushing higher up the pitch. Their efforts were rewarded in the 8th minute when Alex Telles headed home from a corner kick, leveling the score. However, Flamengo quickly regained the upper hand. After a series of corners, Arrascaeta’s delivery found Pulgar, whose initial effort was saved but he tapped in the rebound in the 38th minute.
Key Performances and Tactical Shifts
Lucas Paquetá’s goal marked a significant moment in his return to the club, demonstrating his continued quality. Erick Pulgar’s decisive second goal highlighted his importance in midfield. Both teams made substitutions throughout the match, with Flamengo bringing on Cebolinha and Evertton Araújo, while Botafogo introduced Arthur Novaes and Arthur Cabral.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Flamengo will now face Madureira in the semifinal of the Campeonato Carioca. Botafogo’s campaign continues in the Taça Rio, a parallel tournament for teams eliminated in the quarter-finals. Fluminense and Bangu will contest the final quarter-final match on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Match Details
Date and Time: Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 17:30 (Brasília time)
Location: Nilton Santos Stadium, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
Goals: Paquetá (19’ 1H), Barboza (8’ 2H), Pulgar (38’ 2H)
Yellow Cards: Bastos and Villalba (BOT)
Team Lineups
Botafogo: Neto, Bastos, Newton, Alexander Barboza; Vitinho, Danilo (Arthur Novaes), Jordan Barrera, Alex Telles, Álvaro Montoro (Artur); Villalba (Nathan Fernandes), Matheus Martins (Arthur Cabral).
Flamengo: Andrew; Emerson Royal, Danilo, Vitão, Ayrton Lucas; Erick Pulgar, Lucas Paquetá (Léo Pereira), Carrascal (Evertton Araújo); Plata (Luiz Araújo), Samuel Lino (Arrascaeta), Bruno Henrique (Cebolinha).
Referee: Bruno Arleu de Araújo
Assistants: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Corrêa and Thiago Henrique Neto Corrêa
VAR: Rodrigo Carvalhaes de Miranda
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did the match take place?
A: The match took place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 17:30 (Brasília time).
Q: Who scored the goals for Flamengo?
A: Lucas Paquetá and Erick Pulgar scored for Flamengo.
Q: Who will Flamengo play in the semifinal?
A: Flamengo will play Madureira in the semifinal.
Q: What competition is the Taça Rio?
A: The Taça Rio is a parallel tournament for teams eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Campeonato Carioca.
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