Argentine journalist: Arrascaeta reacts to Lanús loss, Flamengo surprise

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Coluna do Fla

·24 February 2026

Argentine journalist: Arrascaeta reacts to Lanús loss, Flamengo surprise

Kiara Melo, who follows the day-to-day of Lanús (ARG), spoke with the Coluna do Fla team

Flamengo dazzled South America last year with their Libertadores title. That’s why the team’s performance against Lanús (ARG), in the first leg of the Recopa, was a negative surprise. This was the feeling of Argentine journalist Kiara Melo, who was at the Néstor Díaz Pérez Stadium, ‘La Fortaleza’, where the Rubro-Negro lost 1-0. After the match, the reporter even spoke with Arrascaeta.

— I was surprised by the way Flamengo played, because it’s a team I follow closely and I know the quality of the players and what their game involves. I don’t know if I’d call it disappointment, but it was definitely a negative surprise. In the mixed zone, I had the pleasure of talking to De Arrascaeta and he told me that nothing they had planned during the week went as expected — said Kiara, in contact with Coluna do Fla.

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— From my point of view, Flamengo played poorly and Lanús knew how to take advantage of the spaces; they didn’t speculate about their opponent, they won by playing well and generating a lot of play. When an Argentine club beats a powerhouse like Flamengo, the feeling is different, with the thrill (a joy) of knowing that we still have clubs capable of imposing themselves against these powerhouses — the journalist added.

LANÚS TO PARK THE BUS AT THE MARACANÃ?

With the 1-0 advantage, there is anticipation to see what Lanús’s approach will be at Maracanã. For Kiara Melo, in her conversation with Coluna do Fla, the Argentines are unlikely to play defensively and could surprise Flamengo on the field.

— I don’t believe they’ll go on the field playing defensively. Lanús is unpredictable and will attack, look for spaces, and exploit aerial play. Flamengo’s defensive errors could be capitalized on at the right moment. The expectation is to play the same way they did at La Fortaleza. They know they have skilled players and will try to give their all on the pitch — said Kiara.

— Lanús has shown on several occasions that they go all in, regardless of the circumstances or the opponent; they have hierarchy. I believe that if they play as they did at La Fortaleza, they could come out champions. For the Lanús fans, it would be a great achievement; there’s always the feeling that winning titles is a necessity, even more so with Flamengo as the rival — she opined.

RECENT LANÚS RECORD IN RIO INSPIRES CONFIDENCE?

Lanús qualified to play the Recopa after winning last year’s Copa Sudamericana. In that campaign, the team did not lose in Rio de Janeiro: 0-0 with Vasco in the first round, and 1-1 with Fluminense in the knockout stage. This record gives the Argentines a certain ‘energy’.

— It’s a plus that helps them impose themselves differently at Maracanã. I believe, without a doubt, that the good matches against Vasco da Gama and Fluminense can benefit them in their attitude when dealing with the crowd, considering how much it means to play in such a characteristic stadium, with so many people, knowing that Flamengo comes in strong after beating Madureira 3-0 — Kiara pointed out, before answering whether she thinks Mengão is a ‘soulless’ team.

— No, I don’t agree at all. Flamengo were champions (last year) because of their effort and the good football that characterizes them. Throughout the competition this was demonstrated, and I think they won the title on merit — concluded the Argentine journalist.

WHEN WILL FLAMENGO VS LANÚS BE?

Thus, the ball will roll for Flamengo and Lanús at Maracanã starting at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), with full coverage from Coluna do Fla, live from Maracanã on Thursday (26th). In addition, the subscription channel ESPN and Disney Premium streaming will broadcast the Recopa.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.