"Soulless and lifeless": journalist mocks Flamengo, backs Racing | OneFootball

Argentine journalist Horacio Pagani believes Racing (ARG) can even pull off a comeback playing badly, because they have more desire

It has become routine for football commentators in Argentina to say that Flamengo is a team without grit. Even after the 1-0 victory over Racing (ARG), the ‘desire’ of the Rubro-Negro was criticized at Maracanã. For the neighboring country’s journalist Horacio Pagani, Mengão is soulless and bloodless.

See this photo on Instagram A post shared by Horacio Pagani (@soypagani)

— Flamengo played better than Racing, deserved to win the match. They had more goal opportunities than Racing, they have very good players. But it seems like a team without soul. Racing, even without playing well, with the passion they play with, can turn the game around here — said Pagani.

— I don’t see any blood. The only reason I say Racing can turn the game around is the lack of enthusiasm from the Brazilians at Flamengo. Flamengo is not Palmeiras — added the journalist, who works for TyC Sports and Clarín.

HAS IT BECOME A TREND TO TALK ABOUT FLAMENGO'S GRIT?

Before the first match, ESPN Argentina celebrated the fact that Flamengo had eliminated Estudiantes (ARG) in the quarterfinals. “Racing should celebrate that they got Flamengo. They play walking. They don’t mark. They think they’re at the beach or the pool,” said one commentator.

LET'S SEE ON THE FIELD?

In summary, Flamengo will have the chance to silence the Argentines next Wednesday (29), at the Cilindro de Avellaneda, starting at 9:30 pm (Brasília time). A draw is enough for the Rubro-Negro to advance to the final of the Copa Libertadores da América 2025.

Before that, however, Flamengo has a commitment in the Brasileirão. This Saturday (25), o Mais Querido faces Fortaleza at Castelão, for the 30th round. If there’s Mengão on the field, then there’s full coverage from Coluna do Fla, on the website, on social media, and on YouTube.

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