Paquetá opens up after goal v Cruzeiro, backs Flamengo to qualify | OneFootball

Lucas Paquetá scored Flamengo’s equalizer against Cruzeiro at Mineirão

It only took one touch of the ball for Lucas Paquetá to score Flamengo’s equalizer against Cruzeiro on Wednesday (12). As a result, the midfielder pointed out that he still does not feel 100% physically fit and praised the Rubro-Negro squad for their performance in the Libertadores Round of 16 at Mineirão.

I was on the sidelines cheering for my teammates, our group is very talented. I’m happy to have come on, helped with the goal, and brought the decision back home. We went into it at 0-0, which is important for us. Hopefully we can play a great match there too -, said the Rubro-Negro playmaker, who added:

Today was only my second game, and I really felt the lack of fitness. It’s hard to play such a big game when it’s only my second match. I hope to keep playing more so I can regain my physical condition as soon as possible. I think with one more little game, I’ll be at 100% -, he said.

How did Paquetá score Flamengo’s goal?

Arroyo scored for Cruzeiro, but the Minas Gerais side’s lead did not last long. That’s because Lucas Paquetá came on in place of Arrascaeta. Then, with one touch of the ball, the midfielder pounced on the rebound from a shot that hit the post.

Why isn’t Paquetá 100% physically fit?

The player suffered a thigh muscle injury while at the World Cup with the Brazilian National Team. So, Paquetá is still getting back into match rhythm, as he only got minutes against Vitória in the last round of the Brasileirão, and against Cruzeiro at Mineirão.

What is Flamengo’s next match?

The Ninho do Urubu academy product asked for one more match to feel 100% physically fit. So, Fla’s next opportunity comes this Sunday (16) against Mirassol in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão. The match kicks off at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Maião.

When is the second leg between Flamengo and Cruzeiro?

With the aggregate score at 1-1, Mengão and Cruzeiro will decide the spot in the Libertadores quarterfinals on Wednesday (19) at Maracanã. The ball starts rolling at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), in front of the Rubro-Negro fans.

What is the author’s opinion of Lucas Paquetá?

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