Freitas warns Argentine sides find extra motivation before Flamengo v Estudiantes | OneFootball

Joaquín Freitas has warned Flamengo to expect a fired-up Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores semi-finals, saying Argentine sides often bring extra edge against Brazilian opponents.

According to Globo.com, the two legs are scheduled for 15 and 22, after Estudiantes denied an all-Brazilian last four by knocking out Corinthians at Neo Química Arena.

The Argentine forward will face Estudiantes for the first time in his professional career. He watched Corinthians’ exit and said clashes with Argentine teams tend to be very physical, adding that if Flamengo concentrate on their own game they have a strong chance of reaching the final.

Defender Léo Ortiz noted that familiarity cuts both ways after recent meetings, and highlighted centre-forward Carrillo as the focal point for first balls and aerial play. He said Flamengo must stay alert to set pieces and the visitors’ height, and that the first leg away could shape a different approach compared with last year.

Flamengo edged last season’s quarter-final on penalties. This year in the group stage it finished 1-1 in Argentina before a narrow 1-0 win at the Maracanã.

Freitas has one assist in three appearances and is using the international break to speed up his physical and tactical adaptation. While fellow new signing Valencia is away with Ecuador in friendlies, Flamengo will tune up by visiting Santos on Thursday at 19:30 Brasília time, then hosting Fluminense on 11 at 17:30 Brasília time.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”