Ronaldinho scores to give Flamengo 2-1 victory

Rio de Janeiro, April 8 (IANS) Ronaldinho scored a 92nd-minute penalty to give Flamengo a dramatic 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Vasco da Gama in the Rio Cup.

It comes three days after Flamengo's 2-3 defeat to Ecuador's Emelec, which leaves the team relying on other results to remain in the Copa Libertadores, Xinhua reports.

After the match Saturday an emotional Ronaldinho responded to reports the club was considering selling him.

"Since I arrived here I have always been treated with love and affection," the former Barcelona and AC Milan star was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

"That's the way I want to leave - through the front door and doing everything I can to help my teammates."

Ronaldinho, who entered Saturday's match at Rio's Engenhao stadium with just two goals from open play this season, appeared determined to regain the support of disgruntled fans.

The 32-year old was eager to be involved from the outset and on several occasions tracked back to help in defence, something absent from his game in recent weeks.

Flamengo took the lead after 16 minutes through Deivid before substitute Diego Souza equalized for Vasco five minutes after the interval.

The game ended in controversy when referee Vagner dos Santos Rosa pointed to the spot after Vasco goalkeeper Fernando Prass brought down Leo Moura.

Flamengo remains top of group A in the Rio Cup while Vasco is now second in group B with one match remaining.