Already qualified and leader of its group, Flamengo plays better, but ends up tied with LAFC

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.

Since 2011, the club hasn't had a coach from January to December of a single season, a feat last achieved by Vanderlei Luxemburgo. Filipe Luís is poised to break that streak in 2025 , and for Arrascaeta , this is one of the secrets to the team's success.

"I believe the most important thing, after so long, is to have a coach. Almost a year, after a long time without that, to continue the work. Each of us knows how Filipe Luís works; we have to give our all for the benefit of the club . That's how good it is. We're happy with him and our teammates; we've achieved important things," said Flamengo 's number 10.

BREAKING THE FLAMENGO TABOO

In the 2-0 victory over Juventude in Caxias do Sul, Arrascaeta opened the scoring in the 31st minute of the first half after a precise pass from Saúl. In the closing stages, Jorge Carrascal crossed and Emerson Royal scored his first goal for the Manto Sagrado . The two headers ended a historic drought: the team hadn't won at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium since 1997.

"It's never easy playing here. So much so that we hadn't won in Caxias for over 28 years . It shows the strength of the team in all competitions. The important thing was to keep winning to stay top, and we treated the game like another final," Arrascaeta added.

MENGÃO REACHES 50 POINTS

With Filipe Luís in charge, Mais Querido reached 50 points in the Brazilian Championship and still has one game less than its competitors. Palmeiras is in second place with 46 points and two games pending, while Cruzeiro has 44 in third place. The next match will be in the Copa Libertadores, on Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm, against Estudiantes at Maracanã.