Flamengo and Shakhtar play out goalless draw

Shakhtar Donetsk and Flamengo play in a friendly.

Brasilia, Jan 19 (IANS) Brazilian football club Flamengo held Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk to a 0-0 draw in a friendly at Brasilia's Mane Garrincha stadium.

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

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 of 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 Thursday.