Filipe Luís celebrates qualification, praises Flamengo and explains changes | OneFootball

Coach Filipe Luís celebrated Flamengo’s qualification for the 2025 Copa Libertadores final after the 0-0 draw with Racing this Wednesday in Avellaneda. In his first continental final as head coach of the main team, the former left-back praised the collective spirit and mental strength of the squad, which played much of the second half with one man down after Gonzalo Plata was sent off.

“Today was a victory for a team with soul. A competitive, determined team that knows how to play against any opponent. A team that knows what it wants. I am very proud of my players,” Filipe said in the post-match press conference.

The coach emphasized that Flamengo is experiencing a successful cycle built over the last decade. “Since I arrived here in 2019, Flamengo had one final. Now, there are five in the club’s history. This shows the size of this club and the people who do everything for Flamengo.”

Changes during the match

The coach also explained the tactical changes after Plata’s sending off and highlighted the difficulty of the opponent. “Racing is a very tough team to play against. The way they defend, the way they attack, their clarity in reaching the opponent’s box, all of this made today a huge challenge for us,” he said.

“Understanding that we had the advantage on the scoreboard made us pack the back line well. They put six players on the last line, sometimes seven, and it’s very difficult. We believed that with a line of five it would be better to defend crosses, because it’s a team that thrives on set pieces. The substitutions were made with that in mind and, luckily, it worked out,” he added.

Filipe also praised goalkeeper Rossi, the standout player of the match at El Cilindro. “He likes to work, to improve, and he’s in great form. We hope he keeps it up,” he said.

Response on the field

Asked about criticism received, the coach was emphatic in reaffirming his confidence in the group. “We heard a lot of things during the week, but I believe in my players a lot. They are ambitious, they want to be champions, and they showed that Flamengo is capable of adapting to any situation. Football is not war. It’s a wonderful sport, and the best wins on the pitch,” he stated.

With their spot secured, Flamengo will play their fifth Libertadores final on November 29, at the Estadio Monumental de Lima in Peru — the same venue where they won the title in 2019. Their opponent will be decided between Palmeiras and LDU, who face each other this Thursday at Allianz Parque.

Upcoming matches

Racing

Central Córdoba vs Racing – 14th round of the Argentine Championship Date and time: 11/3/2025, at 7:00 pm (Brasília time) Venue: Estadio Alfredo Terrera

Flamengo

Flamengo vs Sport – 31st round of the Brasileirão Date and time: 11/1/2025, at 9:00 pm (Brasília time) Venue: Maracanã Stadium

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