Some players are too skilful for their own good. Take Flamengo winger Michel for example. During his team’s convincing away win over Sao Paulo, his sublime piece of skill provoked rage from the home team.Michel controlled a long diagonal pass with one of the most beautiful touches you’re likely to see, but under-pressure Sao Paulo players didn’t appreciate it. With their rivals from Rio De Janeiro 3-0 ahead, they saw it as a sign of disrespect and Michel’s attempt to pile further humiliation on the home team.No fim do primeiro tempo, Michael dominou lançamento de letra e irritou jogadores no São PauloNo intervalo da partida, o jogador do Flamengo falou sobre o lance: “Não fiz aquilo para desmerecer ou prejudicar alguém. Fiz isso porque é meu futebol” pic.twitter.com/GAm4UDkTYp— ge (@geglobo) November 14, 2021 Flamengo are chasing Atletico Mineiro at the top of Brazilian Serie A, while Sao Paulo are enduring a miserable season and are hovering just above the relegation zone. It’s clear to see that the immense pressure of their huge fanbase is taking its toll. Michel was singled out as a villain for his classy skill when they have already been terrible.Sao Paulo defence was nowhere to be seen as they let in two cheap goals inside the fist four minutes. Gabrial Barbosa and Bruno Henrique pounced to give visitors a commanding lead and Sao Paulo decided to shoot themselves in the foot shortly after that. Jonathan Calleri was sent off for a terrible tackle and Flamengo knew that their job would be much easier for the rest of the match.
Their 25-year-old trickster Michael Richard Delgado de Oliveira had already become a thorn in Sao Paulo’s side with a sublime goal he’d scored on 43 minutes to further increase his team’s lead. And his amazing touch to trap a pass just before the break was just a bit too much for the angry hosts.Just a few seconds later, after the half-time whistle, Michael was quizzed by the television crew and he was quick to reassure the opposition.”I didn’t do that to disrespect anyone. It wasn’t my desire to offend anyone. I did what I did because that’s the way I play the game.”
Ten minutes after the break – Michael has struck one more in to complete a 4-0 rout. Sao Paulo have the right to be angry, but only at themselves. In the meantime, they should study Michael’s moves and admire his skill. We most certainly will!BRAZILIAN SERIE A – Round 32SaturdayAtletico Goianiense – Santos 0-0America Mineiro – Gremio 3-1 (2-0)/Azevedo 4, Ademir 45 og, Juninho 47 – Ferreira 55/Internacional – Athletico Paranaense 2-1 (1-1)/Edenilson 40, 65 – Terans 37/ RB Bragantino – Fortaleza 3-0 (2-0)/Helinho 4, Ytalo 15, Artur 60 pen/SundayCorinthians – Cuiaba 3-2 (1-1)/Giuliano 3, Augusto 51, Guedes 57 – Pepe 45, Paulao 78/Sao Paulo – Flamengo 0-4 (0-3)/Barbosa 1, Henrique 4, Michael 42, 56/Monday00.15: (3.25) Fluminense (3.10) Palmeiras (2.35)01.00: (1.90) Ceara CE (3.35) Sport Recife (4.40)01.00: (3.60) Chapecoense (3.00) Juventude (2.25)Tuesday22.00: (4.40) Atletico PR (3.45) Atletico Mineiro (1.87)***odds are subject to change