“They’re very close”: Palmeiras captain fears Flamengo closing in | OneFootball

Palmeiras center-back Gustavo Gómez wants the team focused on the Libertadores, but admitted he is already thinking about Flamengo

Flamengo and Palmeiras have Libertadores matches in midweek. However, fans of both teams are looking ahead to Saturday (23), when the top two teams in the Brasileirão will face each other. Captain of the São Paulo side, Gustavo Gómez tried to put Mengão out of his mind, but acknowledged the importance of the clash that will take place at the Maracanã.

— Not yet (we’re thinking about Flamengo). We know it’s an important match, but we have an important game before that, in the Libertadores. We can secure our qualification, we’re going to play at home, with our fans. We know how difficult things have been because of injuries, we have important players sidelined —, Gómez began.

— It’s difficult, but it is what it is. We’re working day by day to try to improve the details, which have been making the difference. I think that’s it. Now, we’ll think about the next game and then we’ll think about Flamengo, who are close (in the table). But there’s still a long way to go —, added the Palmeiras center-back and captain.

WHAT ARE THE TEAMS’ MIDWEEK MATCHES?

Two points above the third-placed team, Palmeiras need to beat Cerro Porteño (PAR) on Wednesday (20), at Allianz Parque, in the fifth round of the Copa Libertadores da América. On the same day, at the Maracanã, already-qualified Flamengo take on Estudiantes (ARG).

WHEN WILL FLAMENGO VS PALMEIRAS BE?

The ball starts rolling for Flamengo and Palmeiras next Saturday (23), at the Maracanã, starting at 9 pm (Brasília time). The match is valid for the 17th round of the Brasileirão. If they win, Mengão could even take over the top spot in the Brasileirão, provided they beat Athletico-PR this Sunday (17) at Arena da Baixada, in Curitiba.

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