Flamengo and the Need to Kill the Game

Flamengo has all the potential to decide matches quickly, but it seems the players are leaving the games more open than they should. That’s what Renan Teixeira commented on the program Fim de Papo, on UOL’s channel.

A Ranking with Scares

In the match against Independiente del Valle, even with the lead on the scoreboard, Flamengo couldn’t maintain control and lived through tense moments. They ended up playing with one less, and Renan stressed that they lacked efficiency to turn their advantage into total control of the game.

“To get through, Flamengo will have to be the quality team it is, but it needs to be more focused. It has to “kill” the game and not give the opponent any openings. A good team shows its quality like this: 3 to 0, it won’t come. It’s already happened; it’s over, understand? That sends a message to the opponents.” — Renan Teixeira

Even though they managed to advance, Renan saw an “unnecessary scare” when the team was ahead. And what does he suggest? That Flamengo, with so many options on the bench, could have reduced the risks throughout the match.

Flirting with Elimination

Renan also mentioned that Flamengo “flirted” with elimination when it fell behind 1 to 0 and even lost a player, but overall the aggregate was favorable. For him, the analysis can’t be limited to just the final result.

Bira, in turn, said that Flamengo entered the match “very comfortably” because of the previous victory of 2 to 0 and ended up “with the brakes on.” Jorginho’s sending off increased the pressure on the Ecuadorian team’s side. In the end, as Bira emphasized, the technical quality of the Rubro-Negro squad still prevailed.

“Flamengo was much better than Independiente Del Valle, but it entered kind of with the brakes on. That gave the game an extra flavor, but in the end, technical quality speaks louder.” — Bira

Eyes on the Libertadores Semifinal

Now, Flamengo is focused on the Libertadores semifinal and will face Estudiantes. Bira described the opponent as a “troublesome adversary,” while Renan said that, to advance, the team needs to be more focused and effective, avoiding letting the matchup become “lukewarm” and dangerous.

“This isn’t an easy matchup. Flamengo has the advantage over Estudiantes, who are a more aggressive and combative team. That could be the strategy: stop the game at a higher pace.” — Bira

Now it’s a matter of waiting and hoping that Flamengo arrives even more focused and shows all its quality on the field!