Athletico-PR will have an important absence for Sunday's game against Flamengo

Focused on the decisive clash against Peñarol (URU), Flamengo rested some players in the match against Grêmio, this Sunday (22). In the 27th round of the Brasileirão, Rubro-Negro ended up defeated 3-2. Responsible for leading the alternative team in Porto Alegre, David Luiz was asked about Flamengo's next commitment, for the Libertadores, against Peñarol.

During the mixed zone at Arena do Grêmio, the experienced defender commented on the expectation of facing “pressure and catimba” from Peñarol in Uruguay. Despite predicting a difficult game, in which Flamengo will need to reverse the 1-0 defeat suffered at Maracanã, David Luiz showed confidence and stated that the team is fully capable of advancing to the semi-finals of the continental competition.

“At Maracanã we had much more possession of the ball. They managed to hit the first counterattack and score the goal, that's what determines it. And then patience, it's always very difficult when you start a World Cup game leading 1-0, and you get that restlessness with the ball. But we know our quality. We have to put together a very effective and intelligent plan. It will be very difficult there, there will be a lot of pressure, catimba, but we have a very qualified team, we are fully capable of passing”, said the defender.

With David Luiz available, Flamengo will face Peñarol next Thursday (26), in the second leg of the Libertadores quarter-finals. The match will be at 7pm (Brasília time), at the Campeón del Siglo Stadium, in Montevideo. To qualify directly, Rubro-Negro must win by two or more goals difference. If there is a tie on the aggregate score, the place will be decided on penalties.

Flamengo is gathering evidence to investigate the case of racism against striker Carlinhos, which occurred last Sunday (22), during the 3-2 defeat to Grêmio, in the Brazilian Championship, in Porto Alegre. The player was the target of racist insults in the changing room tunnel after being sent off in the second half of the match. According to the club, unidentified people called Carlinhos a "little monkey" while he was heading to the changing rooms.

In the 12th minute of the second half, Carlinhos was sent off after slapping defender Kannemann. While leaving the field, the athlete was the target of provocations, insults and racist insults, according to a statement issued by Mengão. Videos circulating on social media show the insults directed at the player, who also reported hearing monkey imitations during the incident. b>

On social media, Grêmio fans defended themselves against the accusations and denied using the word "monkey" during Carlinhos' departure. According to the fans, the term used was "ta bravinho" and there were no racial insults directed at the athlete.