Corinthians player admits “extra motivation” to face Flamengo | OneFootball

Corinthians scorer against Flamengo, Gui Negão confirmed that facing the four-time Libertadores champion is special

It’s nothing new that every team plays a ‘World Cup final’ against Flamengo. However, it’s not common for the players themselves to admit it. On Sunday (13), after Flamengo’s 2-1 win in the Brasileirão, forward Gui Negão confirmed that facing the competition leaders is something special.

“The game had extra motivation, of course, because it was Flamengo. But unfortunately we weren’t able to turn our chances into goals, though the team’s commitment was very important,” said Gui Negão in an interview in the mixed zone at the Maracanã after the match.

Gui Negão, in fact, did manage to scare Flamengo. The Most Beloved took the lead early in the second half through Lucas Paquetá. Later, the Corinthians striker leveled the score. However, Bruno Henrique, with a header in the 43rd minute of the second half, secured the three points and the top spot in the Brazilian Championship for Flamengo.

WILL THERE BE MORE FLAMENGO VS CORINTHIANS?

Flamengo and Corinthians have already faced each other three times this season, and things have been evenly balanced. At the start of the year, the São Paulo side won the Brazilian Super Cup in Brasília with a 2-0 victory. In the Brasileirão, there was a 1-1 draw at Neo Química Arena, and now a 2-1 win for Mengão at the Maracanã.

But the teams could still meet in two more decisive clashes. That’s because their paths may cross in the Copa Libertadores. If Corinthians eliminate Estudiantes (ARG), they will face Flamengo or Independiente del Valle (ECU) in the semifinals.

Corinthians vs Estudiantes takes place on Wednesday (16) at Neo Química Arena. In the first leg, in La Plata, the match ended 1-1. Flamengo, meanwhile, take the field on Thursday (17) holding a 2-0 advantage over Independiente del Valle, earned at the altitude of Quito. The match at the Maracanã will kick off at 9:30 PM (Brasília time).

AUTHOR’S OPINION, IN BRIEF

— Everyone wants to stand out, wants to grow when they face Flamengo. It’s a chance to land a good contract or catch Europe’s attention. After all, Flamengo has worldwide exposure. Scoring against Flamengo must be the pinnacle for any player who doesn’t have the opportunity to wear the Sacred Jersey. So it was nice to hear that honesty from the young Gui Negão — opined journalist Pedro Paulo Catonho of Coluna do Fla.

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