Paquetá accepts below-par display as Flamengo reach Libertadores semi-finals | OneFootball

Flamengo drew 1-1 with Independiente del Valle at the Maracanã, advancing 3-1 on aggregate to the Libertadores semi-finals as Paquetá acknowledged he fell short of his usual level.

According to Coluna Do Fla, the midfielder said in the mixed zone that he needs to improve, though he welcomed the qualification. The first leg finished 2-0 in Quito at 2,850 metres, and on Thursday the visitors scored first before substitute Arrascaeta equalised.

Paquetá reflected that the team did not play well and that the pitch made combinations difficult. He noted the fans were crucial and that Arrascaeta’s goal delivered the key objective.

He added that playing in tight spaces with his back to goal often requires two or three touches, and first-time attempts can lead to errors that affect confidence. He said he must concentrate more to cut mistakes and produce a better performance.

A starter on the night, Paquetá played 59 minutes before making way for Arrascaeta. He created one clear chance with a long pass for Bruno Henrique but also made errors, including a poor backpass and a stray ball that led to Del Valle openings, plus a backheel that sparked a counter.

Flamengo face Estudiantes in the semi-finals in the weeks of 14 and 21 October, with the first leg in Argentina and the return at the Maracanã. Before that, the league leaders host Red Bull Bragantino on Sunday 20 at 18:30 Brasília time, with Paquetá suspended for yellow-card accumulation.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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