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Flamengo lost 1-0 to Atlético-MG this Thursday (1st) at Maracanã in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. Despite the negative result, coach Filipe Luís believes the match remains open and that Flamengo is fully capable of seeking qualification away from home. The second leg will be held at Arena MRV in Belo Horizonte.

Filipe Luís reveals his goal at Flamengo: "Brazilian and Libertadores are priorities"

"The Brazilian Championship and the Libertadores are priorities, but I came in to win . Just like in the Ceará game, I'm prepared to win with the players I believe are the best. Of course, in the second leg, we'll try to turn things around. In my opinion, it's wide open. We know it's difficult to play in our opponent's stadium, but just as they won here, we can win there," said Filipe Luís in the post-match press conference.

DECISION TO SAVE HOLDERS

When asked about the absence of some important names in the match, the commander explained that the decision to rest players was made strategically , taking into account the physical wear and tear and the tactical fit thought out for the Flamengo match.

"It was a plan in which I decided on the players. None of them had been ruled out, but I believe that given their current run of form, it wouldn't be wise to play them today and Sunday as well. And also that they fit in with the game plan I had envisioned for the match. In the other game, Arrascaeta was on the field and didn't benefit from that plan. I opted for other changes, to rest him so he could have some training sessions and be in good shape next week," he added.

FLAMENGO NEEDS TO WIN

To qualify for the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals, Flamengo will have to beat Atlético-MG by two goals in Belo Horizonte. If the Rio de Janeiro team wins by just one goal, the match will go to penalties. A draw favors Atlético-MG, who have the advantage after the result at Maracanã.

Flamengo started the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil at a disadvantage, losing 1-0 to Atlético-MG last Wednesday (31) at the Maracanã. The red-black team showed fluctuations throughout the game, and some decisions by coach Filipe Luís drew attention, especially the choice to field Luiz Araújo on the left side of the attack - which generated criticism from fans and analysts. After the match, Filipe justified the decision, citing tactical reasons and the versatility of the number 7.7

Filipe Luís on Luiz Araújo at Flamengo: "His best place is on the right"

"His best position is on the right, but today I wanted to leave Matheus Gonçalves there because of his dribbling and one-on-one ability. I also considered Luiz as a finisher because he's lethal . He's played on the left before, scoring goals and providing assists. It's not his best position, but I believe he can perform well in the finishing department. He sacrificed himself for the team and tried. It wasn't a good performance for him or the team, but that's normal," the coach explained in a press conference.

IDEAL POSITION FOR LUIZ ARAÚJO?

A natural right winger, Luiz Araújo tends to perform best when playing on the flank he's most familiar with, where he makes the most of his speed, dribbling, and finishing ability . In recent statements, the player himself acknowledged that he feels most comfortable on that side of the pitch, but he's willing to play in any role to help the team:

"I prefer to play on the right, where I'm most used to. But wherever Filipe needs me, I'll be ready . I've played on the right, the left, and inside too. My goal is to always be able to help Flamengo win," he added.

FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME

Available to Filipe Luís, Luiz Araújo remains an option for the duel against Ceará , this Sunday (03), for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match takes place at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), at Arena Castelão. The clash is essential for Flamengo to maintain the leadership of the competition.

Samuel Lino's debut for Flamengo caught the attention of the coaching staff and fans. Even with only one day of training before the match against Atlético-MG, the striker demonstrated personality, initiative in his plays, and a good understanding of the game. Despite the 1-0 defeat at Maracanã, Lino was the most dangerous player in the Mais Querido's attack, even having a goal disallowed late on.

The good impression left in the debut reinforced the possibility of Samuel Lino starting among the starting 11 in the match against Ceará, this Sunday (3) , at 6:30 pm, at Arena Castelão, for the 18th round of the Brasileirão. Coach Filipe Luís still leads a final training session this Saturday, but the tendency is to select the best he has available.

Flamengo is expected to have key players back, including Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique, and Jorginho, who were rested for the final knockout match. On the other hand, the squad will be without Pedro and Wallace Yan , who are serving suspensions. Lino's entry appears to be a natural alternative to add depth and speed to the attack.

SAMUEL LINO CAN HELP ATTACK

The coaching staff sees Samuel Lino as a player capable of offering greater unpredictability in attacking plays . His one-on-one prowess could be crucial in breaking down tight defenses, a recurring challenge faced by the Mais Querido in recent rounds of the Brazilian Championship. The expectation is that, with greater chemistry, the striker will gain even more prominence.

FLAMENGO'S PROBABLE LINEUP

If Filipe Luís opts to field a full-strength lineup, the red-and-black lineup could include: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Allan, and Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino, and Bruno Henrique . Flamengo is looking to bounce back in the Brasileirão and sees Lino's performance as a potential key to getting back to winning ways.