"We don't think about the number of goals", Léo Pereira opens up about Flamengo's performance

On Wednesday night (06), Flamengo beat Atlético-MG 1-0 at Arena MRV , in Belo Horizonte, in the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil. With the same score as the first leg, but in favor of Rubro-Negro, the decision of the spot was left to the penalty shootout . In the penalties, the Minas Gerais team was more efficient and advanced to the semifinals.

Despite a strong performance over the 90 minutes, the result wasn't enough. In the penalty shootout, Atlético-MG converted four of their five attempts, while Mengão missed a penalty each from Wallace Yan and Samuel Lino.

FILIPE LUÍS JUSTIFIES CHOICE

After the end of the match, Filipe Luís, who led the team in the coach's absence , commented on the starting lineup and explained that the decisions were made based on the physical conditions of the available athletes.

"The decision on the starting lineup first involved some who didn't travel, Bruno Henrique and Luiz Araújo, who weren't fit to play , were barred. Some couldn't start because they were on vacation, like Lino, Royal, and Saúl," said Filipe Luís .

"Arrascaeta felt discomfort in the last game. And I put together a team with the players I have, just like in the first game , enough to win and play a great game. That's how they did it," said the coach.

ATTENTION TURNS TO THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Now out of the Copa do Brasil competition, the Rio team's focus is now fully on the Brazilian Championship . Next Saturday (09), Mengão hosts Mirassol at Maracanã, at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), for the 18th round of the competition.

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.