Flamengo returns with an eye on the clash with Racing in the Libertadores

On Monday morning (20), Flamengo returned to Ninho do Urubu after achieving a great victory against Palmeiras by 3 to 2 last Sunday (19), equaling the number of points of the São Paulo team that is in the lead of the Brazilian Championship due to having one more victory. The athletes who started the match did regenerative work in the gym, while the others went to the field to carry out a tactical activity. 

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Now, Rubro-Negro turns the key and focuses on the duel against Racing (ARG), which takes place this Wednesday (22), at 21:30 pm, at Maracanã, for the first leg of the Libertadores semifinals. The return leg will be played on October 29, at 21:30 pm, at Presidente Perón stadium, in Argentina. 

After the good victory over Palmeiras, coach Filipe Luís gave a press conference and spoke about the importance of the game, in addition to previewing the clash with Racing.

"It's the most important game, let's say. There are the local derbies, of course. Where the atmosphere, the intensity of the game, it's on par with anything. But the Brazilian derby today, at the highest level, in Serie A football, is Flamengo and Palmeiras. They are the two best teams in my opinion. Cruzeiro is coming along. They have a very strong squad, with heavy investment and a spectacular coach. But Flamengo vs. Palmeiras today has the squads you see at this level, the refined touch of reaction speed, the players' thinking, a level above what I've seen. And, therefore, it's always a very open game, with scoring chances for both sides. An interesting game," said the coach, who continued.

"Playing in the Libertadores is always very difficult. Every game is different, every opponent is different, every game plan—mine and the opposing coach's—will be different. So, the attitude, the players' dedication, the way they engage with each other has never changed, ever, throughout the season. The players' dedication, their attitude, and the intensity with which they play have never changed. As I said, we don't always play well, we won't always win, but the intention is there, so I hope this group conveys that same attitude, intensity, and commitment every day. In training, we see a very tight-knit team, a very united group pursuing a goal, and that's what I want to see from them: for them to continue that way," he concluded.

The red-black squad returns to training on Tuesday afternoon (21), when they will finalize their preparations to face the Argentines.