Diego Alves not playing blame game after Flamengo lose Libertadores final | OneFootball

Flamengo goalkeeper Diego Alves admitted the nature of Saturday’s Copa Libertadores defeat to Palmeiras “hurt a lot”.

The final, held in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, went to extra time.

And it was a crucial mistake by midfielder Andreas Pereira (on loan from Manchester United) that allowed Palmeiras striker Deyverson to pounce and shoot past Alves and make them back-to-back champions of South America.

The Palestra were certainly more economical at the Estadio Centenario, getting six efforts on target from their 10 attempts.

Flamengo, on the other hand, only hit the target twice in 19 attempts, as they failed to make their 64% of possession count where it mattered.

“Losing like this hurts a lot, because we had played a great game,” Alves said, per Gazeta Esportiva.

“We barely gave the Palmeiras team a chance. They’re playing in their style. We in ours. Today was not the day. It wasn’t meant to be, unfortunately.

“The sadness is great right now. But I believe that from here on out, you don’t have to blame. It was a difficult year for everyone.

“Congratulate Palmeiras, who in their way, in their style, got the victory today. We will get up. Next year there will be more.”

Flamengo now must try and retain their Brasileirão title, though that is a massive ask as the Rubro-Negro trail leaders Atlético Mineiro by eight points with just four games remaining.