In a decisive night at the Maracanã, coach Leonardo Jardim lauded the power of the Flamengo fanbase, calling them the essential “12th player” in securing their spot in the Libertadores semifinals.
Flamengo clinched their qualification to the Copa Libertadores semifinals after a crucial 1-1 draw against Independiente del Valle (ECU) last Thursday (17th) at the Maracanã. The result, which propelled the Rio de Janeiro club to the next stage, saw the massive presence of the Rubro-Negro faithful as a determining factor, as highlighted by coach Leonardo Jardim in a press conference.
The match was marked by tense moments, especially after the expulsion of midfielder Jorginho. However, the energy from the stands was pointed out by Jardim as a differential that spurred the team to fight for the draw and ensure their continuation in the continental competition.
The Strength of the Rubro-Negro Nation
The Portuguese coach spared no praise for the fans, emphasizing the team’s ability to react even when numerically disadvantaged, driven by their unconditional support.
Jardim stated:
“Even so, we managed to be better in the game when we were with 10+1. And I say this because, when Jorginho left, the crowd came in, they were the 12th player, and they were fantastic. We didn’t even miss him. We defended very well, and that energy the fans passed on gave us great strength to pursue the draw.”
He added, highlighting the squad’s quality and the importance of staying humble:
“The group deserves congratulations. We need to draw attention to the fact that we are only favorites on the field, not off it. This team has quality. Many thought the game was already decided. Football isn’t just that. We were the only Brazilian team not to lose in the quarterfinals.”
Jorginho’s Expulsion and the Qualifying Goal
In the 19th minute of the second half, the scenario became more challenging for Flamengo with Jorginho‘s expulsion, after receiving his second yellow card for hitting Alcívar‘s face with his arm. His first yellow had been issued ten minutes earlier for a foul on Perelló to stop a counter-attack.
Even with one less player, the Rubro-Negro did not falter. The goal that sealed the draw and their place in the next round came in the 38th minute of the second half, when Arrascaeta capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Quintana and found the back of the net, sending the crowd at the Maracanã into delirium.
Massive Presence at Maracanã and Next Challenge
The fans’ dedication was evident with the presence of 63,534 supporters at the stadium, who played a crucial role in the atmosphere and the team’s performance, especially after the incident with Jorginho. Flamengo’s fanbase’s passion once again proved to be a decisive difference-maker.
With qualification secured, Flamengo now prepares to face Estudiantes (ARG) in the semifinals of the Libertadores. The matches are scheduled for the weeks of October 14th and 21st, with the first leg played in Argentina and the return leg at the Maracanã. The expectation is for two more electrifying duels in pursuit of the continental title.
By Equipe M360
