Lino digs at Cruzeiro after Flamengo tie: “Last laugh, best laugh” | OneFootball

Samuel Lino scored the goal that sent Flamengo through to the Libertadores quarterfinals

He who laughs last, laughs best. The old, familiar saying came back into play this Wednesday (19), with Flamengo’s 2-1 win over Cruzeiro at the Maracanã in the Libertadores Round of 16. In the first leg at Mineirão, Samuel Lino was humiliated on Arroyo’s goal. In the return leg, it was No. 16’s turn to leave an opponent on the ground.

— There’s a very famous phrase that I brought up when I left Mineirão. We drew 1-1, I got beaten on the dribble, and I was heavily mocked. So I said: he who laughs last, laughs best. Today it was my turn to leave the defender on the ground and score the qualification goal. And the qualification goal is what matters most —, said Samuel Lino.

— It was a tough game, a difficult team, one of the best teams in South America. (Cruzeiro) also came in with the weight of chasing a place in the final, but we were incredible. First of all, I want to thank the fans, with unreal support until the end. We delivered on the pitch, running until the last minute, even exhausted. This qualification gives us a huge boost for what comes next —, added the winger.

IN SHORT, WHAT HAPPENED IN THE TWO MATCHES?

At Mineirão, Arroyo received the ball on the right wing, slid in and got past Samuel Lino, then scored a stunning goal. Later, Lucas Paquetá made it all square in the first leg. In the return match at the Maracanã, Arrascaeta opened the scoring and Lucas Romero equalized.

But in the second half came the revenge. Samuel Lino got the ball on the left wing and made a devastating cut inside on William, who ended up almost off the field with a wild sliding challenge. Calmly, No. 16 became the hero of Flamengo’s qualification at the Maracanã.

SO WHO WILL FLAMENGO FACE IN THE QUARTERFINALS?

Now through to the Libertadores quarterfinals, Flamengo await Independiente del Valle (ECU) or Deportes Tolima (COL), who face each other in Ecuador next Tuesday (25). In the first leg in Colombia, the Ecuadorian side won 1-0 and can advance with a draw at home to face Mengão.

The first leg of the quarterfinals will take place on September 8, 9, or 10, away from Brazil. The return leg at the Maracanã will be scheduled for the 15th, 16th, or 17th of the same month. It is worth noting that Mengão has the right to play the second leg at home for having had the best campaign in the group stage.

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