Starting for 9th straight match, Ayrton Lucas hails Flamengo grit in Quito

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Coluna do Fla

·11 September 2026

Starting for 9th straight match, Ayrton Lucas hails Flamengo grit in Quito

Full-back played a decisive role in the win over Independiente del Valle (ECU) and spoke about the challenge of Quito’s altitude

Flamengo beat Independiente del Valle (ECU) 2-0 in Quito’s altitude in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. The match also marked Ayrton Lucas’s ninth straight game as a starter. Speaking in the mixed zone, the left-back commented on the result and emphasized that the team still has many important matches ahead.

What did Ayrton Lucas say after the win over Independiente del Valle?

– We expected a very difficult match, both because of the opponent’s quality and the altitude. However, our team fought hard from the first minute to the last. We knew we had to stay fully focused throughout the game, so the group deserves congratulations for the result we achieved.

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– As I said, playing here at altitude is always complicated, but we couldn’t use that as an excuse, because we’re the ones on the pitch defending this shirt. Despite everything, we tried to give our best and we’re very happy with this positive win. Now the focus is on resting, because there are a lot of games ahead, said Ayrton Lucas.

How did Flamengo score against Independiente del Valle?

Bruno Henrique opened the scoring in the 15th minute of the second half. Shortly afterward, Léo Pereira doubled the lead with a header. However, Mengão only scored after halftime, following constant pressure from the opposition at an altitude of 2,850 meters.

How did Ayrton Lucas perform in the match?

In addition to the goal and assist from the rest of the squad, Ayrton Lucas also stood out defensively. Overall, the full-back won six duels and completed the only dribble he attempted during the match.

He also led the team in defensive actions, with 12 contributions in that area: seven clearances, two blocked shots, and two interceptions of opposition passes. The defender also made one tackle on an Ecuadorian player and completed three long balls in the match.

Why is Ayrton Lucas in his ninth straight game as a starter?

Ayrton Lucas took over the position after Alex Sandro was ruled out with pain in his right calf. As a result, the gap left by his teammate opened the door for this extended run as a starter.

What has Ayrton Lucas’s run of matches been like?

09/10 – Flamengo 2-0 Del Valle – 86 min
09/06 – Fla 0-1 Remo – 90 min
09/02 – Fla 2-0 Mirassol – 90 min
08/30 – Fla 3-0 Botafogo – 90 min
08/22 – Fla 2-1 Cruzeiro – 90 min
08/19 – Fla 2-1 Cruzeiro – 76 min
08/16 – Fla 1-5 Mirassol – 69 min
08/12 – Fla 1-1 Cruzeiro – 90 min
08/09 – Fla 2-0 Vitória – 90 min

When is the second leg between Flamengo and Independiente del Valle?

The second leg between Flamengo and Independiente del Valle will be on Thursday (17) at the Maracanã, starting at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time. Flamengo can therefore lose by as many as one goal and still advance to the Libertadores semifinals.

When is Flamengo’s next Brasileirão match?

Before the Libertadores qualification decider, however, Flamengo will face Corinthians this Sunday (13) at the Maracanã, starting at 5:30 p.m. Brasília time. The match is valid for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship.

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