Sports
Flamengo Out of Libertadores on Penalties Against Estudiantes
A lackluster Maracanã display with a man advantage and sloppy penalties seals their tournament exit.
Flamengo has been knocked out of the Copa Libertadores following a penalty shootout loss to Estudiantes at the Maracanã. A toothless attack despite playing with a man advantage and careless spot-kicks sealed their elimination. Now, the club's sole remaining focus this season is the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Flamengo is out of the Copa Libertadores. Facing Estudiantes at the Maracanã, the Rubro-Negro failed to break down the opposition's defense in regulation time—despite holding a man advantage from the start of the second half—and were ultimately defeated in the penalty shootout.
In the video above, Bernardo Ramos breaks down the match, labeling the result unacceptable given the massive investment made in the squad. According to Bernardo, the Rio de Janeiro side was completely devoid of ideas across both legs, failing to register dangerous shots on goalkeeper Muslera and reducing their offensive approach to repetitive crosses into the box by Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
Sloppy penalties and a sub-par performance
In Bernardo's assessment, midfielder Paquetá epitomized the elimination. The player, who cost 42 million euros (300 million reais), had zero impact across the 90 minutes and took his penalty kick in a remarkably careless fashion. On top of Flamengo's missed spot-kicks, goalkeeper Rossi failed to stop any of the Argentine side's attempts, including Thiago Palacios' strike down the middle.
Leonardo Jardim's tactical choices and lack of ideas
Leonardo Jardim's decisions on the touchline also drew sharp criticism. Even after Baltazar Rodrigues was sent off five minutes into the second half, the coaching staff kept defensive midfielders on the pitch and took too long to bring on attacking reinforcements. Bernardo also questioned the substitution of Carrascal, one of the few players attempting individual plays, while key figures like Pedro had quiet outings against defenders Salis Pires and Rojo.
Final focus shifts to the Campeonato Brasileiro
With Estudiantes advancing to face Palmeiras in the final in Montevideo, Flamengo now only has the remainder of the Campeonato Brasileiro left to play for. Bernardo points out that the squad will need a drastic change in attitude and motivation to pursue the national title following their continental failure.
PUBLICIDADE (GAM) — 1250x250
