This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
On June 18, 2020, football returned to South America in Brazil, with a Rio de Janeiro state tournament match, despite concerns from clubs and fans that it was too soon to resume play.
The Copa Libertadores holders Flamengo beat minnows Bangu 3-0 in Rio's iconic Maracana stadium, which was played in front of empty seats due to the pandemic.
The match was held just metres away from a field hospital set up to treat COVID-19 patients, and players had their temperatures checked on arrival at the stadium.
Top Brazilian clubs, including Botafogo and Fluminense, had come out against the restart, arguing it was too soon, and supporters of those clubs protested outside the stadium before the match.
The match opened with a minute of silence for victims of COVID-19, including Flamengo's own massage therapist, Jorginho, who died last month.
