Arrascaeta blunt after Flamengo’s Libertadores win: “Not title favourites” | OneFootball

Arrascaeta doesn’t want the ‘hype’ to take over Flamengo after qualifying for the Libertadores quarterfinals against Cruzeiro

For some fans, Flamengo vs. Cruzeiro was the ‘early final’ of the Copa Libertadores de América. However, Arrascaeta wants a different mindset. In the Uruguayan star’s view, the quarterfinal stage needs to be respected, stressing that the final is still a long way off.

— We’re not thinking about being champions; we have to take it step by step. For us, it was a very decisive match. We know we’re out of the Copa do Brasil, we’re fighting for the Brazilian title, and it was very important to stay alive in the Libertadores. We faced an opponent that’s been improving a lot. We’re very happy with the game we played; we should have scored more goals. But the most important thing is qualifying —, said Arrascaeta in the mixed zone at the Maracanã.

— I believe every team goes through rough patches, and when the results don’t come, everything gets worse. That’s what happened to us. But we have a very united group with experienced players. We talked among ourselves, and with the coach too, about what we needed to improve —, added the No. 10.

AFFECTION FOR CRUZEIRO?

Before speaking in the mixed zone at the Maracanã, Arrascaeta gave another interview while still on the pitch. In 2018, the midfielder scored one of the goals that sent the Minas Gerais side through against Flamengo, precisely in the Libertadores round of 16. Now on the other side, the star admitted he still has affection for the club in blue, but praised his current moment with Mengão.

— Very happy with the result. I’m very grateful for everything I’m experiencing here at Flamengo. Cruzeiro is a team I respect a lot; I was also very loved there. So, it was a very decisive match, a great game. We could have scored more goals —, said Arrascaeta.

— We knew Cruzeiro played really well against our matchups. The game there was a bit difficult because of that. We prepared this match for Pedro to play with more freedom, and we created a lot because of it. We found a lot of space in the first half. We deserve credit —, reported the No. 10, referring to the goal scored.

HOW DID ARRASCAETA’S GOAL HAPPEN?

Late in the first half, Arrascaeta played a one-two with Pedro, got in behind Gerson, and fired into the top corner past goalkeeper Otávio. Early in the second half, Lucas Romero leveled the score. However, Samuel Lino, also with a stunning goal, sent Flamengo through to the quarterfinals. Their opponent in the next round will come from the clash between Independiente del Valle (ECU) and Deportes Tolima (COL), who play on Tuesday the 25th.

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR’S OPINION?

— Important words from Arrascaeta. At Flamengo it’s often either “on the road to the world title” or “send everyone away.” With this great performance and qualification, the fans got really excited. So it’s about keeping your feet on the ground, taking it one step at a time, and staying serious in every match, whether in the Brasileirão or the Libertadores —, opined Pedro Paulo Catonho, journalist for Coluna do Fla.

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