Flamengo vs Santos Match Recap - Nov 9, 2025

Flamengo's Firepower Overwhelms Santos in Thrilling 3-2 Showdown

Flamengo showcased their championship credentials with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Santos at the Estadio Jornalista Mário Filho, solidifying their position in the Serie A title race. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Flamengo's attacking prowess ultimately proving too much for a beleaguered Santos side fighting to escape relegation.

Bruno Henrique opened the scoring for Flamengo in the 12th minute, continuing his impressive form after netting a brace just last week against Sport Recife. His early goal set the tone for Flamengo, who dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the first half. With an xG of 1.72 against Santos' 0.37, it was clear that Flamengo was not just playing to win; they were playing to assert their dominance.

Santos, however, responded with resilience. Lautaro Díaz leveled the score in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Flamengo. This momentary lapse in concentration highlighted Santos' determination to fight back despite their recent struggles. The equalizer injected life into Santos, who had been languishing near the relegation zone and desperately needed points to stave off disaster.

But Flamengo was not to be denied. Just before halftime, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who has been instrumental in their campaign with 21 goals and 14 assists across competitions, restored Flamengo's lead with a well-placed shot from outside the box. His ability to find space and create opportunities has been a hallmark of Flamengo's success this season, and this goal underscored his importance to the team.

The second half saw Santos push forward in search of another equalizer, but they struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances. Despite holding 46% of the ball, they managed only three shots on target compared to Flamengo's eight. The pressure mounted on Santos as they faced a relentless Flamengo attack, which culminated in Pedro extending the lead to 3-1 in the 68th minute. Pedro's goal was a testament to his poaching instincts, lurking in the right place at the right time to finish off a well-worked move.

Santos refused to go quietly, however. In a dramatic twist, they pulled one back through Zé Rafael in the 75th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback. The goal sent waves of anxiety through the Flamengo supporters, who had witnessed their team squander leads in recent matches. Santos' resurgence was fueled by their need for survival, but time was not on their side.

As the match drew to a close, Flamengo's defense held firm under pressure, showcasing their experience and composure. The final whistle confirmed Flamengo's victory, leaving Santos with yet another bitter pill to swallow as they remain entrenched in the relegation battle.

This match encapsulated the contrasting fortunes of both teams. Flamengo continues to chase glory with their eyes firmly set on the title, while Santos finds themselves grappling with the specter of relegation. After my pre-match prediction that Flamengo would dominate, it seems I was spot on-though I underestimated Santos' fight. They may be struggling, but they showed glimpses of resilience that could serve them well in their upcoming fixtures.

Flamengo's next challenge comes against Sport Recife, where they will look to maintain their momentum and further solidify their title aspirations. For Santos, facing Palmeiras will be a daunting task as they seek to claw their way out of danger. The stakes couldn't be higher for both teams as they navigate this critical juncture in the season.