Filipe Luís explains his decision to choose Flamengo's starting lineup

On Wednesday night (06), Flamengo beat Atlético-MG 1-0 at Arena MRV , reversing the disadvantage of the first leg and equalizing the match at 1-1 on aggregate . The decision of the spot was left to penalties, where the Minas Gerais team got the best and stamped its passport to the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil.

With a strong performance, the Rubro-Negro dominated most of the match, creating clear chances, and finding the net with Pedro in the second half. However, their efficiency in penalty kicks made the difference: while Atlético-MG converted four of their five kicks, Wallace Yan missed the last one for the Rio de Janeiro team, sealing their elimination.

FILIPE LUÍS COMES TO THE DEFENSE OF WALLACE YAN

After the match ended, coach Filipe Luís showed support for Wallace Yan, who missed the decisive penalty . For the experienced player, the youngster demonstrated character by taking responsibility at such a crucial moment.

"He's a player with a lot of personality. He doesn't hide, he's not shy around anyone. He's been the center of attention, but Lyanco isn't a saint, and neither are Everson or Hulk. They provoke. They get involved in these game things," he said before concluding.

"In high-performance football, no one wants to lose. And that's how it is. As long as there's no violence, it's fine. Both teams want to win. Atlético-MG won. Wallace played a great game, he did what was in the game plan. He has personality and a great future ahead of him," said Filipe.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT COMMITMENT

With the elimination in the Copa do Brasil, the focus now turns completely to the Brazilian Championship . On Saturday (09), Flamengo hosts Mirassol at Maracanã, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), for the 18th round of the tournament.

On Wednesday night (6), Flamengo beat Atlético-MG 1-0 at Arena MRV and tied the match 1-1 on aggregate. However, the penalty shootout decided who qualified for the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. With perfect use of penalties, the Minas Gerais team confirmed their place, while Rubro-Negro said goodbye to the national competition.

Despite being eliminated, Flamengo performed well throughout the 90 minutes. With greater possession and offensive volume, the Rio de Janeiro team created good chances and scored through Pedro in the second half. However, the penalty shootout ended Flamengo's run in the tournament.

WALLACE YAN MISSES PENALTY

After the end of the match, Filipe Luís spoke about the choice of batsmen and defended Wallace Yan, who missed the last penalty for Mais Querido: " They were the players who bat better, who were available , who were more confident to bat," he said before concluding.

" I myself have made mistakes (being) very confident in penalty shootouts . Penalties are penalties, there is a very fine line between victory and defeat. The only thing I can say is that I am proud of the players who went out there and took the ball with the courage to take it," said the full-back.

FLAMENGO SHOWS PERFORMANCE

During regulation time, Filipe Luís's team demonstrated control. Consistently creating opportunities and neutralizing Atlético-MG's attack, the team maintained its dominance.

Cebolinha's goal gave the fans hope, but the penalty shootout ultimately thwarted the red-and-blacks' plans. With Wallace Yan missing his shot and the Minas Gerais team converting the final ball , elimination was sealed, despite a competitive performance on the field.

The match between Atlético-MG and Flamengo ended in a thrilling finale at Mineirão Stadium. After a 1-0 victory for Flamengo in regulation time, which tied the aggregate score at 1-1, qualification for the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals was decided by penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Everson's superb save, scoring the decisive final goal, proved decisive—Galo won 4-3 on penalties and advanced in the competition.

Flamengo needed the win and was superior for much of the match. From the start, they dominated possession and created the best chances. Twenty minutes into the first half, Everton Cebolinha opened the scoring after an assist from Plata, dribbling past Natanael and finishing with precision.

After the game, the number 11 celebrated the goal and recalled the challenges he faced after his injury in 2023: " It was a very important goal for me, it gives me confidence . Everyone knows about the injury I had last year; it was very difficult. I still have some lingering effects, and I was even unsure whether or not to play on synthetic leather. I prepared well this week while I was out. I was able to score with my finishing," Cebolinha remarked.

FLAMENGO WINS 1-0

Despite the pressure, Atlético-MG managed to stay in the game, even struggling to impose its rhythm against the opposing defense. Hulk and Scarpa's attacks created danger, but were not enough to equalize. The match ended 1-0 to Flamengo, sending the decision to penalties.

EVERSON DECIDES ON PENALTIES

In the penalty shootout, Everson's experience made the difference. The goalkeeper saved Samuel Lino's shot, saw Wallace Yan clear the ball, and then confidently converted his own shot into the bottom corner. For Galo, Igor Gomes, Gustavo Scarpa, and Hulk also scored. For Flamengo, Saúl, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta scored, but it wasn't enough.