Luiz Araújo hails Flamengo’s approach in Libertadores clash with Racing | OneFootball

Flamengo Takes the Lead in the Race for a Spot in the Libertadores Final

Flamengo made the most of their ‘home advantage’ and defeated Racing (ARG) 1-0 this Wednesday (22), in the first leg of the Libertadores semifinal. Starting the match, Luiz Araújo heaped praise on Mengão’s attitude throughout the clash.

— We have to celebrate this victory, yes. Libertadores semifinal, we knew it wouldn’t be an easy game. We knew how Racing would play, with everyone back, trying for a counter and aiming to leave here with a draw — he said, before concluding:

— Very happy to have found that goal at the end, it gives us even more confidence to go to Argentina, get a great result there, and qualify for the final, which is the most important thing for all of us — concluded Luiz Araújo, in a mixed zone interview.

How Did Luiz Araújo Perform?

Coach Filipe Luís chose to start Luiz Araújo in the lineup against Racing. Thus, the number 7 played until the tenth minute of the second half, when he was replaced by Gonzalo Plata. During that time, the player had 28 actions with the ball, as well as 15 accurate passes (out of 17 attempts).

How Was the Match?

Despite the ‘scrappy’ game, Flamengo controlled the action throughout the match. Between hitting the post and miraculous saves by Facundo Cambeses, Mengão opened the scoring at the 43rd minute of the second half, after Carrascal capitalized on a rebound from a shot by Bruno Henrique.

What’s Flamengo’s Next Game?

With Luiz Araújo available, Flamengo returns to the field this Saturday (25) to face Fortaleza. The match will take place at 7:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Castelão, for the 30th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

As tradition dictates, Coluna do Fla will provide the best coverage on the internet, through YouTube, the website, and social media. However, Premiere (pay-per-view) will broadcast the match between Flamengo and Fortaleza.

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