CR Flamengo vs. Atlético Mineiro match complet

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Flamengo x Atlético Mineiro was the most intense rivalry of the 1980s. This semi-final was the last time these two teams met in a Brazilian National First Division play-off and (especially for the 2nd leg) is labelled as a classic encounter. Atlético Mineiro were the top seeded team of the qualification stage (they did not lose a single game) and, because of it, they entered this match already with 1 point (a win meant 2 points back in 1987). Therefore, with a win at Maracanã, the 2nd leg would be just a "friendly". This duel was "spicier" because of a fact that happened 1 year before between Renato Gaúcho and Atlético's head coach, the legendary Telê Santana: Flamengo's Leandro, arguably the best Brazilian right defender in 1986, and then Grêmio's Renato Gaúcho broke Brazil's National Team concentration to go to a club. The next day, Renato couldn't jump the wall back where the Seleção was staying. Leandro jumped, but decided to wait alongside his friend. This event led to the cancellation of Brazil's training and to a furious head coach Telê Santana, who decided to cut Renato Gaúcho from the final squad very close to the 1986 WC. Leandro, considered a genius, wasn't cut out, but he asked to be, in solidarity with Renato. Josimar (although not as brilliant as the Flamengo player) received the call in Leandro's spot and did a superb job, but Renato Gaúcho's absence is felt up to this day. 118,000 fans gathered at Maracanã for this match.