Libertadores: Cusco assistant backed Flamengo, recalls Fluminense classic | OneFootball

Jonathan Bottinelli, brother of Darío Bottinelli, former Flamengo player, showed his knowledge of the Most Beloved

A member of Cusco (PER) once supported Flamengo in his life. At least between 2011 and 2012. After all, the Peruvian team’s assistant coach, Jonathan Bottinelli, is the brother of Darío Bottinelli, former Mengão player. In fact, the Rubro-Negro’s opponent this Wednesday (08), in the Libertadores opener, revealed that he has a special Fla-Flu match close to his heart.

— One memory I have of my brother is the Flamengo vs Fluminense derby, when he comes on and scores two goals, changing the match. One from outside the box and one from a free kick. I know from personal experience that he did well at Flamengo, he was very happy with Ronaldinho and other great players. He also had a good coach at the time. He has the best memories of all the fans — said Jonathan to GE, before looking ahead to Wednesday’s (08) clash.

We’re very excited about the match coming up, playing against the Libertadores champion. It’s a beautiful debut and we hope to be up to the task and put in a great performance, added Cusco’s assistant coach, speaking about the match that kicks off at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at altitude.

WHICH MATCH IS THE BOTTINELLI FAMILY REMEMBERING?

In 2011, in the Flamengo vs Fluminense derby at Engenhão, the rival was leading 2-1. Then coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo sent Darío Bottinelli to warm up and brought on the Argentine midfielder. In the 41st minute of the second half, the player equalized with a free kick. And in the 44th, the foreigner completed the comeback with a stunning goal from outside the box.

Carioca champion in 2011, alongside Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Thiago Neves, Bottinelli arrived at Flamengo at Luxemburgo’s request. At the time, Mengão paid 1.7 million dollars (R$ 3.2 million at the exchange rate at the time). Wearing the Sacred Jersey, he played 86 matches, scored eight goals, and provided six assists.

SO WHO WILL DARÍO SUPPORT, AFTER ALL?

In short, Jonathan arrived at Cusco not long ago, specifically during the FIFA international break, after coach Miguel Rondinelli accepted an offer from Melgar (PER). So Cusco hired Uruguayan Alejandro Orfila, who brought Bottinelli onto his staff. This will be only the new coach’s second match.

With Darío Bottinelli’s heart divided between his brother and his former club, Flamengo and Cusco face each other starting at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. The match is valid for the first round of Group A of the Copa Libertadores da América, with full coverage by Coluna do Fla.

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