Flamengo beat Benfica as European tests extend positive recent run | OneFootball

Flamengo recorded a 2-1 friendly win over Benfica at Estádio Algarve in Portugal, their fifth meeting with European opposition. The club have used these games to test different aspects and assess the squad’s current level.

According to Globo.com, Flamengo are considered one of South America’s strongest squads. They have beaten Chelsea, Benfica and Lausanne-Sport, drawn with Paris Saint-Germain, and lost only to Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup last 16.

The meetings with Benfica and Lausanne came in friendlies during their training camp in Portugal. The Chelsea game, a 3-1 comeback, was in the Club World Cup group stage and the English side later won the tournament, repeatedly noting the difficulty they faced in Philadelphia. Inside Flamengo, the chance to face European sides and the visibility from visiting Portugal was viewed very positively.

Across these fixtures Flamengo scored 10 and conceded seven, four of those against Bayern. The scorers were Gerson, Bruno Henrique, Danilo, Jorginho twice, Wallace Yan twice, Samuel Lino and Lorran.

Jorginho said facing European teams is a positive experience that lets them work on aspects they might not encounter as often. He believed South American matches also offer good opportunities to develop those points.

Director José Boto said these games, as with the Club World Cup, help Flamengo measure themselves against European clubs to understand where they are. He stressed the importance of testing their strength to see their standing.

Source: Globo.com