Flamengo vs Internacional: “War of tempos” ends first half lead, match tied late

Internacional carried a 1-0 lead into halftime at the Maracanã, but Flamengo pulled level after the break and the match was tied 1-1 deep into the second half on Wednesday, February 4, as the early rounds of Brazil’s top flight continued to settle into shape. The game has swung on discipline in the box and a few high-leverage moments rather than sustained dominance from either side.

As of 6:43 p.m. ET, the match clock showed 68 minutes with the score Flamengo 1, Internacional 1.

What’s happened so far at the Maracanã

The opening hour followed a familiar script for a heavyweight matchup early in the season: cautious phases, bursts of pressure, and long stretches where both teams seemed more concerned with preventing transitions than forcing risk.

Internacional’s best moment arrived just before halftime, converting a chance in stoppage time to change the tone of the night. Flamengo’s response was steadier after the interval, pushing higher and forcing more defending inside the visitors’ penalty area, which eventually produced the equalizer.

Goals: Borré breaks through, De Arrascaeta answers

Internacional struck first through Rafael Borré, who scored in 45’+2 to make it 0-1 heading into the break. Flamengo equalized with Giorgian De Arrascaeta, converting a penalty at 68’ to bring the match back to 1-1.

The penalty sequence mattered as much as the finish: the foul decision shifted momentum sharply, and Flamengo used the surge from the equalizer to keep Internacional pinned back immediately afterward.

The tactical story: control vs counterpunch

Flamengo has leaned into longer spells of possession, working through midfield combinations and trying to open lanes for runners off the shoulder of Internacional’s back line. Internacional, meanwhile, has looked most dangerous when it wins the ball and breaks quickly—especially in moments when Flamengo’s fullbacks are high and the midfield spacing stretches.

That contrast has created a game of “tempo management” rather than constant chances. Flamengo’s pressure has produced more set-piece territory and more touches in the attacking third, but Internacional has kept its defensive shape compact enough to avoid being overwhelmed—until the penalty decision.

Key players shaping the second half

De Arrascaeta’s role has been central as Flamengo’s connector between midfield and the final action, drifting into pockets and drawing defenders just long enough to free teammates on the next pass. His calm finish from the spot turned the match into a new contest with more than 20 minutes still to play.

For Internacional, Borré’s goal highlighted why direct play remains a reliable weapon: a single opening, taken decisively, can rewrite a half. The next phase for them is balancing the urge to protect the draw with the need to keep threatening—because sitting too deep against Flamengo often turns the final 15 minutes into wave after wave of defending.

What to watch in the final stretch

With the match tied late, the last segment typically comes down to three factors:

• Game state discipline: one reckless challenge can decide it.

• Substitutions and fresh legs: especially on the wings, where tired defenders can get isolated.

• Set pieces: corners and free kicks often carry extra weight at the Maracanã when momentum shifts.

If Flamengo continues to build pressure, the chances are likely to come from cutbacks and second balls rather than clean breakaways. If Internacional finds another opening, it’s more likely to be in transition—one or two passes to spring runners into space.

Sources consulted: ESPN, Sofascore, FotMob, FOX Sports