Flamengo secured a late 3-2 victory over Atletico Mineiro at the Maracanã Stadium on Tuesday, maintaining their lead atop Brazil’s Serie A standings with six matches remaining in the season. The match was decided in stoppage time when Jorge Carrascal converted a penalty in the 99th minute.

Atletico Mineiro took an early lead through former Everton winger Bernard. However, Flamengo responded before halftime with goals from Gonzalo Plata and Giorgian de Arrascaeta, putting the hosts ahead 2-1 at the break. Renan Lodi leveled for Atletico Mineiro in the second half, setting the stage for a tense finish. The decisive penalty came after Leo Pereira was fouled, and Carrascal confidently converted from the spot to clinch the win.

With the victory, Flamengo extended their lead to one point over second-placed Palmeiras. Atletico Mineiro remained in sixth place in the 20-team league, trailing the leaders by 20 points.

Flamengo manager Leonardo Jardim acknowledged his team’s struggles but emphasized their overall dominance. “The result suggests that we suffered tonight, but the truth is we were the far stronger team,” Jardim said after the match. He conceded that Flamengo could have defended better to avoid Atletico Mineiro’s counterattack goals but praised his team’s ability to regain control and secure the win.

Elsewhere on Monday, Gremio earned a narrow 1-0 away victory against Coritiba, courtesy of a late goal by Martin Braithwaite.