Danilo on Flamengo v Racing: toughest test, expects a "war" in return | OneFootball

Danilo replaced Léo Ortiz in the match against Racing (ARG), for the Libertadores

Starting in the absence of Léo Ortiz in Flamengo's defense, Danilo helped the team keep a clean sheet against Racing (ARG), when Mengão won 1-0 in the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal. The defender pointed out the biggest challenge in the match and assured: in Avellaneda, it will be a war.

— It's a game where you can't let up for a minute. We had control of the game most of the time, but any passing error, they tried a direct connection. So, we needed to always be very alert and win the duels —, said Danilo.

— Copa Libertadores is like that, everyone must win their duels. We are much closer to victory (by doing this). But as I said, knowing that there it will be a war. We took the first step, it was important to win today and now recover strength —, he added.

HOW DID RACING PLAY?

As highlighted by Danilo, Racing insisted on long balls to Maravilla Martínez. However, with strength, the defender managed to hold back the striker's momentum, who did little at Maracanã. On the other hand, the red-black attack struggled at Maracanã due to the Argentine defense.

However, after much persistence, the goal finally came. Bruno Henrique received in depth, face to face with the goalkeeper, but missed the clear chance. On the rebound, Carrascal, who had set up BH27, sent it to the back of the net, at 42 minutes of the final stage.

HOW IS THE SERIES?

After winning 1-0, Flamengo can even draw next Wednesday (29), in Avellaneda, to reach the final of the Libertadores. The winner will face either LDU (EQU) or Palmeiras, who will clash this Thursday (23), at the altitude of Quito.

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