Lucas Paquetá eyes fresh shot at Cruzeiro redemption in Libertadores last 16 | OneFootball

Lucas Paquetá has a renewed chance to settle old scores with Cruzeiro as Flamengo enter the Libertadores knockouts. According to Coluna Do Fla, the meeting comes with the midfielder focused on winning trophies since returning to the club.

The midfielder faced Cruzeiro in key ties during his first spell. In the 2017 Copa do Brasil final, the Maracanã first leg finished 1-1, with Paquetá scoring for Flamengo, then the return ended goalless in normal time and Cruzeiro won on penalties.

In 2018 the clubs met again in the Libertadores last 16. Cruzeiro won 2-0 at the Maracanã, and although Léo Duarte struck in the Mineirão second leg, the Belo Horizonte side advanced on aggregate.

Speaking recently, Paquetá said he cannot help but think about this reunion and called it special after a painful elimination. He expressed hope of coming out on top this time, for Flamengo to win and progress. He described Gerson as a close friend and former idol at Flamengo, while stressing they would compete on opposite sides.

Paquetá had been recovering from a muscle injury sustained after returning from the World Cup. He came on in the second half on Sunday 9 and helped a 2-0 win over Vitória at the Maracanã.

It remains to be seen whether he starts against Cruzeiro. Kick-off on Wednesday 12 is at 21:30 Brasília time at the Mineirão.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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