Flamengo drops to 2nd after defeat to Cruzeiro - Check out the Brasileirão table

After the away win over Juventude , Filipe Luís took advantage of the press conference to discuss Saúl's current form. The Spaniard has been one of the team's standouts this season , contributing assists, marking, and attacking presence. For the coach, the midfielder is enjoying the peak of his career and is a model of professionalism.

"We're seeing the best Saúl . Perhaps the best Saúl of his career. That's thanks to him and, obviously, to the club for believing in and being able to recapture this player's potential. Everyone knows about his career and the crucial role he played wherever he went , especially at Atlético Madrid. But recapturing the best Saúl was a challenge, and it was up to him," he said before concluding.

" He's at a very high level. I think having a son is always a great motivator . I also didn't expect that after all this effort, waking up at 4 a.m., catching two flights, and playing here for 90 minutes, he would play with such quality. He's a unique player, and we're very lucky to have him here with us," said Filipe Luís.

DEDICATION AND OVERCOMING

Saúl was one of the players responsible for the decisive pass that led to the first goal in the victory against Juventude and has been consistently performing in various competitions. According to members of the football department, his dedication to training and his quick adaptation to the club have been key factors in his improved performance.

FLAMENGO REMAINS LEADER

With Filipe Luís at the helm, Mengão has 50 points in the Brazilian Championship and still has a game in hand . Their next match will be in the Libertadores, against Estudiantes, on Thursday at 9:30 pm at Maracanã.

After Flamengo's victory over Juventude at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, which ended a 28-year drought, Filipe Luís made a point of keeping his feet on the ground when discussing the upcoming Libertadores challenge . While acknowledging the magnitude of the quarterfinal match against Estudiantes, the coach emphasized that all his preparation up to that point had been focused on the Brazilian Championship.

"You're right when you say it's the most important game of the year. For me, it is. Given the importance of the Libertadores quarterfinals against Estudiantes. After the incredible season we've had, of course it's the most important game of the year. But honestly, I only prepared for the Juventude game. I did everything thinking about how to beat Juventude," he said before concluding.

"Starting tomorrow, we'll begin studying and working to determine the best solutions to face Estudiantes. They're undoubtedly a formidable opponent, especially since they're one of the Argentine teams that competes so well. We have Central Córdoba in the group stage as an example," said the coach.

GREAT VICTORY IN THE SOUTH

With the positive result in Caxias do Sul, Flamengo reached 50 points in the Brasileirão and maintained its sole lead, with a game in hand over second-place Palmeiras. Cruzeiro is in third place and could close the gap in the standings. The match against Estudiantes is scheduled for Thursday at 9:30 pm at Maracanã.

FILIPE LUÍS'S FAREWELL?

When asked about the offer from Fenerbahçe of Turkey, Filipe Luís said he was flattered by the foreign interest , but emphasized that it wasn't the right time to leave. The coach revealed he was clear about his professional goals and emphasized that he was focused on his current job.

Flamengo defeated Juventude at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium, ending a 28-year winless streak at the stadium. The second goal of the 2-0 victory was scored by Emerson Royal, who scored his first goal for the Manto Sagrado . The full-back celebrated the feat after the match, highlighting the specific training for this type of play.

" Definitely. I've been working hard all week on that play in the second half. I tell Lino to put that ball in the second half. And today, thank God, I was happy with the goal ," said the player.

CARRASCAL FINDS ROYAL FREE

Despite his chemistry with Samuel Lino, it was Jorge Carrascal who set up Emerson Royal. The Colombian delivered a precise cross, finding the full-back behind the opposing defense to double the lead . The first goal had been scored by Arrascaeta , who reached his 18th goal of the season, tying his personal best.

"He's a player who needs no introduction. We know Arrasca's quality . Any player can make a difference for us. So, a player of his quality is a privilege for us," Royal praised his teammate.

MENGÃO MAINTAINS THE LEADERSHIP

Under Filipe Luís, Flamengo has reached 50 points in the Brazilian Championship and still has a game in hand. Palmeiras is in second place with 46 points and two games remaining, while Cruzeiro has 44 and could close the gap. Flamengo's next match will be in the Copa Libertadores, this Thursday at 9:30 pm, against Estudiantes at Maracanã.