Otávio on missed Carioca final penalty: “Only takers know the pain”

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·9 March 2026

Otávio on missed Carioca final penalty: “Only takers know the pain”

Midfielder Otávio spoke out on social media after missing the penalty that sealed Fluminense's defeat in the final of the 2026 Campeonato Carioca. After a goalless draw in regular time, the decision against Flamengo went to penalties.

In the shootout, the Tricolor scored with Paulo Henrique Ganso, Savarino, Arana, and John Kennedy. However, Guga and Otávio failed to find the net, and the rival ended up winning the state title.

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In a social media post after the match, the midfielder commented on the moment and highlighted the feeling of frustration for not converting the decisive shot. The player stated that he prepared for the possibility of a penalty shootout and acknowledged the pain of the failure.

— It's hard to write or explain something, especially when things don't go as we want. But I live for a purpose, and God put me in football to glorify Him in all moments. I trained a lot so that when this moment came, the story would be different. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Only those who take and miss a penalty in a decision know the feeling of sadness and pain for not converting — he wrote.

In the same message, Otávio also commented on the criticism received after the final and stated that he will continue working to bring joy to the Tricolor fans.

— Now it's time to listen, with much pain, to the criticisms, because only those who are in the day-to-day know how much we prepare and train to achieve our goals and bring joy to all of you fans. “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” — he added.

Signed by Fluminense from Atlético-MG, Otávio reached his 20th game in the Tricolor jersey. So far, the midfielder has been a starter in 11 matches and came on as a substitute in another nine. The player has yet to score goals or provide assists for the club.

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