Without Adriano due to his obligations with the Brazilian national team, Flamengo was able to beat Sao Paulo 2-1 on Saturday. Sao Paulo scored the game's first goal in the 25th minute when Dagoberto passed a ball off to Hernanes who then dribbled past the Flamengo goalkeeper to knock it into the goal. Flamengo scored its first goal controversially. On a penalty kick, Petkovic had his kick blocked. However, the referee ordered the kick to be retaken because Rogerio Ceni, Sao Paulo's goalkeeper, made forward progress towards the ball. In the 65th minute, Petkovic converted in his second attempt. Flamengo scored the go-ahead goal in the 75th minute. Petkovic threaded a ball to Ze Roberto. The midfielder dribbled into the left side of the penalty box and diagonally sent it into the net, giving Flamengo a victory in front of their home crowd. Flamengo now has 45 points and stands in 6th place. Sao Paulo remains in 2nd place with 49 points. 