"It was a great game", says Arrascaeta when evaluating the draw between Flamengo and Palmeiras

The Flamengo, one of the biggest clubs in Brazilian football, is experiencing a moment of turbulence. The recent defeat to Peñarol, in the middle of Maracanã, by 1-0, during the first game of the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, increased even more pressure on coach Tite, who had already been the target of criticism due to his poor performance. expected from the team throughout the season. With club elections scheduled for the end of the year and Tite's contract approaching the end, the coach's renewal is considered unlikely. In this scenario, Luís Castro emerges as one of the main candidates to take over Flamengo's technical command, according to details released behind the scenes.

The match against Peñarol, held last Thursday (19), was a reflection of the difficulties faced by Flamengo this season. The team performed poorly on the field, with few clear chances to score and unable to impose their game against an opponent who knew how to defend themselves well. The substitutions made by Tite throughout the match did not bring the expected impact, and Flamengo ended up being defeated at home, frustrating their fans.

The fans' dissatisfaction was evident during the game, with boos directed at the team at several moments. This behavior was not well received by everyone in the squad, especially goalkeeper Rossi. In an interview after the game, the athlete vented, stating that, during the match, the support of the fans is essential, and that booing only increases the pressure on the players at a crucial moment.

With the defeat for Peñarol, the pressure on Tite increased significantly. Since his arrival at Flamengo, the coach has been facing difficulties implementing his playing style and obtaining consistent results. The team fluctuated in important competitions and was unable to maintain the level of performance expected by a club of Flamengo's size and tradition.

Flamengo went behind on the scoreboard in the first leg against Peñarol, last Thursday (19), when they lost 1-0 at Maracanã. Now, in order to qualify without any fear, Mais Querido will have to score more than one goal in the return match, in Uruguay. Trying to bring positive energy to the Nation, Arrascaeta sent an optimistic message on social media.

On his Instagram, this past Friday (20), the Mais Querido midfielder wrote: “Nothing like a day after another. Until the end.” The phrase was published alongside a photo in the dressing room at Ninho do Urubu, where Mais Querido trained.

Having lost 1-0 at Maracanã, Flamengo will have to score two goals at the Campeón Stadium del Siglo, in Montevideo. If you win with the minimum difference, the match will go to a penalty shootout. However, Peñarol enters the field with the advantage of a draw.

Tite and the red-black board defined that the holders of the confrontation against Peñarol but Léo Ortiz is out of the match against Grêmio, for the Brasileirão. The group will stay in Rio de Janeiro for training with a focus on the return game of the Libertadores.

The rest of the group will travel together with Tite to Porto Alegre, where they visit Grêmio this Sunday (22), at 6:30 pm, to compete in the 27th round of the Brasileirão. The game will be played at the Rio Grande do Sul team's Arena.