By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Flamengo threw away a two goal lead against Resende underdogs to lose 3-2 in the first round of the Taça Rio state tournament at the Engenhão Stadium. Fla had looked comfortable at the break through goals from Hernane and Elias, but three goals in 23 minutes stunned the Carioca giants after the interval.
Robert, Elias and Dudu were the heroes on a night none of the Resende players will soon forget. For Flamengo, it is a second successive defeat in the 2013 Campeonato Carioca, following their defeat in the Taça Guanabara semi-final at the hands of Botafogo.
After a dominating first half, coach Doríval Junior could not have expected such a disastrous second 45. Within three minutes of the restart Robert had fired a warning shot, staying upright under heavy pressure to lift the ball over goalkeeper Felipe.
Resende were level on the hour mark when Elias’ superbly directed header found the far corner. As Flamengo began to panic the minnows seized the initiative to complete the unlikeliest of comebacks.
Marcel’s inswinging free-kick was glanced in by Dudu to complete the turnaround. Lacking direction or organization Flamengo was unable to mount any sort of resistance in the final twenty minutes to cap a nightmare start to the Campeonato Carioca’s second act.
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