Léo Ortiz on ‘moment of genius’ that sent Flamengo through | OneFootball

In a quick decision, Léo Ortiz put an Estudiantes (ARG) player offside

Thirty minutes into the second half, Estudiantes (ARG) scored, 2-0 against Flamengo. At that point, Flamengo's elimination in the Libertadores was almost certain. However, with a brilliant move by Léo Ortiz, Benedetti's goal was annulled, giving Flamengo a lifeline.

After a long pass, the wing-back came face to face with goalkeeper Rossi and gently chipped the ball into the net. However, VAR caught the Argentine team's player offside. In an interview, Léo Ortiz explained the quick decision that put the opponent in an offside position.

WHAT DID LÉO ORTIZ SAY ABOUT THE OFFSIDE?

— I stopped because I saw their player coming at high speed and we were in a two-on-two with an open field. I felt he wouldn't stop at the offside line, thinking I would chase him. I braked to put him offside. Of course, at the time I had the feeling he was, but when the referee didn't raise his flag, I was in doubt —, said Léo Ortiz.

— I thought "it could be more adjusted". I kept looking at the bench all the time to see if anyone gave me a sign and hoping that what I was imagining would be confirmed. These are details, micro details that you make decisions on. I'm happy that it was a timely decision that put him offside —, explained the defender.

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THE PLAY?

With the goal annulled, Estudiantes won the match 1-0, taking the game to penalties. In the shootout, Rossi saved two and put Flamengo in the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores da América for the seventh time in the competition's history.

Now, Léo Ortiz will have little time to rest. That's because, Flamengo faces Corinthians, on Sunday (28), for the Brasileirão. The ball rolls at 8:30 PM (Brasília time), at Neo Química Arena, with Flamengo fighting to stay at the top of the table.

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