Carlinhos is sent off and misses Flamengo's attack for the next game in the Brasileirão

After Flamengo's defeat to Grêmio this Sunday (22), David Luiz gave an interview on the way out of the field and regretted that the team had not emerged victorious despite having dominated almost the entire match.

“Without a doubt. I'm more frustrated by the result, by the boys' delivery. Suddenly this opportunity arose, they work hard, how dedicated they were, even with one man less. We tried at all costs to win the match, we had opportunities to do so, we had the control to do so, I think they created much less than us, despite being effective. So it's this frustration, the frustration that today could be a great opportunity for us to win the three points here and show the strength of the squad”, began the defender.

Throughout the game, Mais Querido had 56% ball possession and shot at the opponent's goal 18 times, compared to Grêmio's 13 shots. The midfield even created great chances with Matheus Gonçalves, Lorran and Alcaraz, but they were unable to achieve them.

DAVID LUIZ HIGHLIGHTS THAT THE GROUP CONTINUES TO BELIEVE IN THE BRASILEIRÃO TITLEDavid Luiz was also asked about the team's confidence in the Brasileirão and whether there is the option of focusing on just the cups, as Mais Querido is 11 points behind leader Botafogo. However, the defender denied this and assured that the team continues to believe in the competition title.

“Flamengo is Flamengo, we have to prioritize all competitions. Within the daily analysis of tiredness, of all things, of who is ready to play. But I think the group responded well today to the level of quality. There's a little lack of rapport, a little more rhythm in the game for many, but here's the dedication, the race, and as long as we have the opportunity to fight up there, we have to fight, we don't have to take anything for granted”, he said, before completing:

“Football changes very quickly, last year showed this a lot, and if we had scored more in the last rounds of last year, we could have won the title. So it’s about fighting until the end.”

Flamengo suffered its second consecutive defeat this Sunday (22), as it lost to Grêmio 3-2, in a game valid for the Brasileirão. Furthermore, Mais Querido may have an important absence for next Thursday's decision (26), against Peñarol. This is because Wesley left the field feeling pain in his thigh.

The young right-back started the match against Grêmio as a starter and was one of Mais Querido's main athletes. However, in one of the last moments of the match, the player collided with his opponent and fell to the pitch in great pain. After a medical evaluation, Wesley left and was replaced by Daniel Salles.

In addition to losing Wesley, Flamengo also suffered another loss in the match. This is because Carlinhos was sent off after confusion with defender Kannemann and Rubro-Negro had to play for 30 minutes with one less player.

FLAMENGO SITUATION

With the defeat, Mais Querido ended up in fourth place, with just 45 points gained in 27 games. Furthermore, Rubro-Negro completed three games without a win this season. DECISION NEXT THURSDAY

Now, Flamengo's squad focuses on big decision against Peñarol, in the quarter-finals of the Libertadores. Mais Querido returns to the field next Thursday (26), at 7pm, in Uruguay. Remembering that Rubro-Negro needs to reverse the 1-0 score to qualify for the semi-finals.

Next Sunday (29), Flamengo will face Athletico-PR at Maracanã, following the Brazilian Championship. Before that, however, the team faces Grêmio this Sunday (22), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at the Arena, in Porto Alegre. For this confrontation, two athletes from the red and black squad are suspended: Léo Ortiz and Carlinhos, but only the center forward was listed for the match.

Léo Ortiz remained in Rio de Janeiro, along with Rossi, Varela, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira, Alex Sandro, Erick Pulgar, De la Cruz, Arrascaeta, Gerson, Plata, Bruno Henrique and Gabigol, all spared by the technical committee. Despite the risk of Carlinhos receiving a yellow card, Tite chose to select the player for the clash against Grêmio.

Flamengo's likely team for the game is: Matheus Cunha; Wesley, David Luiz, Cleiton and Ayrton Lucas; Allan, Everton Araújo, Matheus Gonçalves, Alcaraz, Lorran and Carlinhos.

In addition to those spared, some players are out due to injury: Pedro, Everton Cebolinha, Viña, Michael and Luiz Araújo.

Arbitration of Grêmio x Flamengo

Referee: Matheus Delgado Candançan (SP)

Assistant 1: Neuza Ines Back (Fifa-SP)

Assistant 2: Evandro de Melo Lima (SP)

VAR: Rodrigo Guarizo Ferreira do Amaral (Fifa-SP)

Fourth referee: Vinicius Goncalves Dias Araújo (SP)

One victory against Grêmio would leave Flamengo with 48 points, keeping the dream of the Brazilian title alive. In case of defeat, the atmosphere would be more tense for the match against Athletico-PR, in addition to increasing the pressure on coach Tite.