Flamengo, Shakhtar fraternize after stalemate

Brazil's Flamengo held Shakhtar Donetsk to a 0-0 draw in a friendly at Brasilia's Mane Garrincha stadium on Sunday.

The Ukrainian outfit, whose squad includes 13 Brazilians, dominated the match but were denied victory by resolute goalkeeping from Paulo Victor and his second-half replacement Cesar.

Players from both teams remained on the pitch for more than 30 minutes after the match in a rare display of comradeship between opponents.

"Beyond the match and the rivalry on the pitch, it's very important to have this friendship," Shakhtar's Brazil international midfielder Bernard said.

"Friendships always prevail. I have very good friend at Flamengo: Alecsandro, who I played with Atletico Mineiro."

Shakhtar forward Douglas Costa also praised the close links between players from both clubs.

"There is nothing better than a 0-0 draw to make sure there are no fights after the match," Costa said.

Shakhtar will remain in Brazil for a clash with Atletico Mineiro in Belo Horizonte on Thursday. Endi