Estudiantes boss slams Plata release, mocks Flamengo: “Made up stories” | OneFootball

Eduardo Domínguez, coach of Estudiantes (ARG), spoke about the Flamengo match

Estudiantes (ARG) defeated Defensa y Justicia (ARG) this Monday (22), in the ninth round of the Argentine Championship. However, as soon as the match ended, the focus shifted to the Libertadores. In a press conference, the coach of the La Plata team, Eduardo Domínguez, mocked the recent complaints from Flamengo about the clash that took place at Maracanã.

— They invented several tales that the referee recommended I take Gómez out. So many things are said when you play against a great team like Flamengo, let them keep those things, it's their problem —, said Domínguez.

— With all the power they have, we are one goal away. They are a powerful team and have the tools to speak and pressure. Let them talk. I focus on the work and showing it with our fans. We have to focus on advancing to the next stage. It's no use talking now if Gonzalo Plata deserved to be sent off earlier (for the stomp on Farías). The highest authority is Conmebol —, he added.

WHAT IS DOMÍNGUEZ TALKING ABOUT?

Firstly, Domínguez addressed the issue of the conversation with the fourth official. According to Viña, Bruno Henrique, and other Flamengo players, the referee team suggested substituting Gómez after a harsh tackle on Arrascaeta. The alert was given so that the defender would not be sent off.

Later, the biggest controversy of the first leg. Gonzalo Plata received a kick inside the area, but the referee reversed the foul and gave a yellow card to the Ecuadorian. As it was the second, the forward ended up being sent off. However, Conmebol acknowledged the mistake and removed the second card, allowing the player to participate in the return match.

However, the Argentine press complains about an earlier incident where Gonzalo Plata allegedly stepped on an opponent's ankle. But the referee let the play continue and did not issue a card that, in Estudiantes' view, should have been a straight red. In other words, the 'war' behind the scenes is heating up.

WHEN WILL FLAMENGO VS ESTUDIANTES TAKE PLACE?

The ball will roll for Flamengo and Estudiantes next Thursday (25), in La Plata, for the return leg of the Libertadores quarter-finals. Coluna do Fla will provide full coverage of the match on the website, social media, and YouTube. On television, ESPN (cable channel) and Disney Plus (streaming) will broadcast the match.

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