Filipe Luís: Flamengo in Libertadores semis despite defeat | OneFootball

Filipe Luís Praised Flamengo's Qualification Against Estudiantes (ARG)

Flamengo lost 1-0, played poorly, but advanced in the Libertadores. And that's what coach Filipe Luís wants to be highlighted. On Thursday (25), the Rubro-Negro eliminated Estudiantes (ARG) on penalties and moves on to the semifinals after a 'battle' in La Plata.

— It was a very difficult game, our opponent made an immense sacrifice on the defensive side. All the players were very involved in defense. They lead us to play inside to counterattack. While they leave spaces, they take advantage of ball losses, which causes frustrations, and the team breaks apart during the game, especially the way they attack, with long balls to the forward and play on the outside. This type of game is not easy; it's difficult to play quarterfinals of the Libertadores — said Filipe Luís.

— Maybe tomorrow's headlines will be “Flamengo advances, but…”, there's always a “but”, but the headline is just one: “Flamengo is in the semifinal”. The knockout stage is 180 minutes, we advanced on penalties, and if we advanced, we deserve to advance. I am very grateful. Since 2019, I have experienced incredible things and feel that this club is special and the synergy I have here makes me live incredible emotions. I am happy to advance — added the Flamengo coach.

HOW MANY SEMIFINALS HAS FLAMENGO PLAYED?

At another point in the interview, Filipe Luís highlighted that, upon joining Flamengo in 2019, the club had not played a Libertadores semifinal in over 30 years. With this Thursday's (25) qualification, the Rubro-Negro will play in this phase for the seventh time.

Three were in the 80s: 1981, 1982, and 1984. More recently: 2019, 2021, 2022, and now in 2025. Out of the six previous times, Flamengo won the title on three occasions. Therefore, Mengão has the chance to 'break the tie' in this season.

WHEN WILL THE SEMIFINAL GAMES BE?

Qualified, Flamengo now faces Racing (ARG) in the semifinal. The first leg will be at Maracanã, with the return in Avellaneda. Conmebol has not yet set the dates for the matches, but they will be in the last two weeks of October.

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