Bruno's big defensive plays helps Flamengo to victory over Santos

Flamengo downed Santos 1-0 at home on Saturday at the Maracana stadium, re-entering the top four of the Brazilian soccer championship.

Goalkeeper Bruno was sensational, blocking two penalty kicks and helping his team to victory.

Flamengo scored the goal in the 6th minute after Leo Moura crossed the ball from the lower right corner, finding a leaping Adriano who headed it cleanly into the back of the Santos net.

Adriano scored his 17th goal of the tournament and is now tied with Deigo Tardelli, of Atletico-MG, for the most goals scored.

Santos had an opportunity to tie the game in the 20th minute when the team was awarded a penalty kick. However, Paulo Henrique's shot was blocked by Flamengo's goalie, Bruno.

Adriano had a great chance to increase his team's lead in the 62nd. Alone on the left side of the field, the striker received the ball and advanced towards the goal. Sizing up the goal, Adriano fired a ball that just barely missed the net, exploding off the goalpost.

In the 74th minute, Santos received another penalty kick. However, Bruno was able to block Paulo Henrique's kick for the second time, preserving the Flamengo lead.

Flamengo's victory temporarily takes them to third place with 54 points. Their define position will depend on Sunday's results of their competition: Atletico-PR, Internacional and Cruzeiro. For Santos, the loss keeps them in 13th place with 42 points.

Source: Xinhua