Did you save? Filipe Luís opens up about the lineup for the Flamengo vs. Vasco game

Flamengo opened the scoring at Maracanã, but ended up conceding a draw to Vasco in this Sunday's Campeonato Brasileiro derby. With the result, the red-and-black team, which leads the competition, reached 51 points , just two ahead of second-place Palmeiras, keeping the title race wide open.

After the match, defender Léo Ortiz gave an interview and explained that fielding an alternate team wasn't decisive in the result. "We have a very qualified squad, and we're used to playing together in training. There are a lot of games and little rest time. Filipe doesn't usually differentiate between starters and substitutes, so you can't attribute that to the draw," he stated.

DEFENDER ADMITS FAILURES

Ortiz also commented on Flamengo 's missed chances and the goal conceded from a set piece. It's worth noting that Flamengo also suffered from a goal in the penalty area in the Libertadores match against Estudiantes.

Léo Ortiz laments Flamengo's performance: "We gave them space"

"We failed to convert more goals. The game opened up in the second half, we gave space to counterattacks and conceded on a set piece . We know these situations decide championships. We've taken advantage of this in other matches, and today we ended up failing," the defender added.

NEXT CHALLENGE

After the draw in the Brasileirão, Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (25), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), in La Plata , for the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The team won the first leg 2-1 at Maracanã and only needs a draw to advance to the semifinals.

Cruzeiro secured their sixth consecutive victory of the season by defeating Red Bull Bragantino 2-1, in a comeback, this Sunday (21), at Mineirão. With the result, the Minas Gerais team reached 50 points and took over second place in the Brazilian Championship , reducing the gap to just one point over leaders Flamengo, who drew with Vasco at Maracanã.

In the 25th minute, Laquintana crossed from the right and midfielder Jhon Jhon fired a beautiful first-time shot into the left corner of Cássio's net to open the scoring for Massa Bruta. Celeste's equalizer came in stoppage time: in the 46th minute, Lucas Silva received a pass from Kaio Jorge at the edge of the box, dribbled past Jhon Jhon, and finished into the left corner of Cleiton's net , scoring another stunning goal.

KAIKI GUARANTEES THE COMEBACK IN THE SECOND STAGE

The second half maintained the intense pace, with chances for both sides. Jhon Jhon forced a good save from Cássio in the first minute, while Christian wasted two opportunities for Cruzeiro. Bragantino almost extended their lead in the 15th minute, when Lucas Barbosa hit the left post of the Cruzeiro goalkeeper .

Minas Gerais's comeback came in the 31st minute: William sent a ball into the box to Matheus Pereira, who rolled it to Kaiki, who controlled it and fired a low shot . The defense tried to prevent the goal but failed, sealing the victory at the Mineirão stadium. Gabigol came on and held the score for the Foxes.

CELESTE TEAM KEEP UP THE MOMENTUM

This was Cruzeiro's second consecutive comeback victory by the same scoreline. In the previous round, they defeated Bahia 2-1 in Salvador. The result reinforces the good form of Fernando Seabra's team , which now depends only on Flamengo stumbling to fight for the top spot in the Brazilian Championship.

Striker Gonzalo Plata will be available for Flamengo to face Estudiantes-ARG next Thursday (25), in the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The confirmation was made by coach Filipe Luís after the draw against Vasco, this Sunday (21).

"Plata is 23 years old and is recovering very well for the next game. He's available, and I'm counting on him. We've been informed that he's not suspended for the second leg ," said Filipe Luís.

The coach also praised CONMEBOL's decision to overturn the automatic suspension imposed after the player's expulsion: "It's excellent that this is happening, even for the Brazilian Championship . Every time an unfair card is issued in such a tight schedule , let the card be fair. If it is unfair, let it happen as it did and not be counted. May we learn and evolve."

EXPULSION AT MARACANÃ

Plata had been sent off in the second half of the first leg against Estudiantes, played at Maracanã last Thursday (18). Flamengo contested the refereeing team's actions and contacted Conmebol. The South American entity admitted the error by Colombian referee Andrés Rojas and informed the club that the Ecuadorian's automatic suspension had been revoked.

FLAMENGO PLAYS FOR A DRAW

The return match will be held at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , next Thursday (25). After the result obtained at Maracanã, Flamengo only needs a draw away from home to advance to the semi-final of the continental competition.