Peñarol coach cites “historic opportunity” against Flamengo

After Flamengo's defeat to Grêmio, in a game valid for the 27th round of the Brasileirão, Tite promised that Mais Querido would score goals in Uruguay, in the return match against Peñarol. David Luiz was asked about the topic and approved the commander's diagnosis.

David Luiz approved Tite's speech and promised dedication until the final minutes of the game in Montevideo: “Amen, amen! This is how we have to think, aspire and fight until the end”, said David in the mixed area of ​​Arena do Grêmio. 

The Mais Querido defender also took the opportunity to thank the red and black fans for their support this past Sunday morning (22), at CT Ninho do Urubu.

“This is Flamengo , without the fans we are nothing. We play for them, for them we enter the field. We are happy for the support, God willing we will be happy on Thursday”, he concluded.

Flamengo ended up being defeated in the first leg against Peñarol. Therefore, Mais Querido will need to make it 2-0 if they don't want to take penalties, as a score of 1-0 would be a draw on aggregate. However, Rubro-Negro must pay attention, as a draw on a normal score means Peñarol will qualify.

Now, Flamengo's squad focuses on the big decision against Peñarol, in the quarter-finals of the Libertadores. Mais Querido returns to the field next Thursday (26), at 7pm, in Uruguay. Remembering that Rubro-Negro needs to reverse the 1-0 score to qualify for the semi-finals.

The Flamengo is once again in the spotlight, this time not just for its results on the field, but for off-field issues that could have financial and sporting consequences. Conmebol filed complaints against the club due to the behavior of its fans and an infraction committed by coach Tite, in a situation that may seem trivial, but which involves important commercial aspects for professional football.

The first complaint concerns the behavior of the red and black fans in the game against Peñarol, valid for the Libertadores. During the match, flares and bombs were lit and thrown into the North Sector of Maracanã, a sector traditionally occupied by organized Flamengo fans. This type of behavior is prohibited by Conmebol rules, and the club can be held responsible for not having adequately controlled the actions of its fans.

Another point that caught the attention of Conmebolwas a mistake by coach Tite during the post-game press conference. According to the rules imposed by the entity, all team members, especially coaches and players, must respect the commercial agreements signed by Conmebol with sponsors. During the interview, Tite was seen holding a bottle that did not belong to the official brand sponsoring the competition. This action was quickly reported to the entity, which registered the infraction.

Although it seems minor at first glance, this issue could generate financial complications for the club. Football, especially in high-profile competitions like the Libertadores, relies heavily on commercial agreements with brands and sponsors. Any attitude that could harm the image of these companies, even if accidental, could result in significant financial punishments for the club.

The infraction committed by Tite, although it was probably an oversight, highlights the need for greater care by Flamengo in in relation to compliance with the protocols established by Conmebol. The club, which has until the 27th of this month to present its defense, will need to argue that the situation was accidental and that measures are being taken to avoid new problems.

Flamengo starts a new week with a focus on the Libertadores da América. On Thursday (19), Mengão will face Peñarol in the opening of the quarter-finals, at 9:30 pm, at Maracanã. Expectations are high on the Uruguayan side as well. After a 4-0 thrashing over Rampla Juniors on Saturday, coach Diego Aguirre commented on his team's moment and indicated who the starting lineup will be.

Aguirre mentioned the lack of pace of play due to the reduced number of matches recently. The team spent 15 days without playing between August 21st and September 7th due to mourning the death of Juan Izquierdo and another seven days until this Saturday's rout. Therefore, Peñarol arrives to face Flamengo with just two games in the last 30 days. Despite this, the coach valued the time to train the team.

The coach also spoke about a possible absence of Leonardo Fernández in the clash against Flamengo, as the striker appeared to be in pain during the match against Rampla Juniors. However, Aguirre hinted that the starter will be available, although he praised the squad as a whole.

Diego Aguirre was asked about possible changes in the starting lineup for the duel against Flamengo. He stated that he does not intend to make major changes to the team that has performed well, having won the last two games. Therefore, Peñarol should start the match with the preferred 4-4-2 formation.

The Uruguayan team tends to have less ball possession in the Libertadores, with an average of 44.5%, but has a quality midfield and fast players on the sides to supply the attackers when they recover the ball. Léo Fernández is the competition's assist leader, with three, and Maximiliano Silvera is the top scorer, with five goals.

Peñarol's probable lineup for the game against Flamengo is: Washington Aguerre; Pedro Milans, Javier Méndez, Guzmán Rodríguez and Maximiliano Oliveira; Javier Cabrera, Damián García, Eduardo Darías and Jaime Báez; Leonardo Fernández and Maximiliano Silveira.

It is worth noting that Aguirre has already used a tactical variation away from home in the Libertadores. Against The Strongest, for example, he adopted a 5-4-1 formation to face the altitude of La Paz. On that occasion, Jaime Báez was replaced by another defender, Léo Coelho. Furthermore, Gastón Ramírez, the experienced Uruguayan midfielder, comes into practically every game from the bench.