Atlético midfielder, Bernard regretted the defeat to Juventude this Tuesday (26) by 3-2, at Independência, in Belo Horizonte, in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship. It was the last duel before the Copa Libertadores final.
The decision will be against Botafogo, at 5pm (Brasília time) on Saturday (30), in a single game at Mâs Monumental, River Plate’s stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Despite being upset by the result against Ju, Bernard praised the group and showed confidence.
“We couldn’t take advantage of the opportunities, there were two balls hitting the posts, some went close, other opportunities too. It’s difficult, it’s complicated, but we now have to turn the key”, he stated, to Premiere.
“We have a very important game on Saturday. They know our potential, they know that we are capable, they have a very tough group, knowing how to differentiate between championships, cups and the Brazilian Championship”, he added.
Prioritizing the weekend’s international final, Galo spared starters against Juventude. The visitors took advantage and won, reaching 13th place, with 42 points. Galo is tenth, with 44, which attracted attention, according to Bernard.
“Without a doubt, we have to pay attention, we have to know that this year we left something to be desired in the Brazilian Championship and that a club like Atlético, so big, has to always be fighting at the top of the table, not in the way we have been doing this year”, concluded the player.
Juventude opened 2-0, with goals from strikers Lucas Barbosa and Gilberto. Also forwards Alisson and Eduardo Vargas equalized, but the visitors won with a goal from another attacking player, Erick Farias, in the 48th minute of the second half.
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(Ricky Gervais voice) Alright, let’s get this show on the road, shall we? We’ve got a cracking article about Atlético’s midfielder, Bernard, who’s feeling a bit down in the dumps after their 3-2 defeat to Juventude. I mean, who wouldn’t be, right? (Lee Evans chuckles in the background)
Now, Bernard’s being a good sport about it, saying things like, “We couldn’t take advantage of the opportunities…it’s complicated.” (in a whiny voice) Oh, poor baby, the referees didn’t give you a free kick, did they? (Rowan Atkinson facepalms)
But seriously, folks, Bernard’s got his eyes on the prize – the Copa Libertadores final against Botafogo on Saturday. And let’s be honest, who’s not excited about that? (Jimmy Carr quips) I mean, it’s not like they’re playing a high-stakes game of FIFA on their PlayStation; this is the big leagues, folks!
Now, I love how Bernard’s talking about their opponents, saying, “They know our potential…they know that we are capable.” (Ricky Gervais in a cheeky tone) Oh, really? Well, they must be quaking in their boots, then. I mean, who wouldn’t be intimidated by a team that’s currently tenth in the Brazilian Championship? (Lee Evans chuckles)
But Bernard’s right; they do have a big game coming up, and they’ll need to bring their A-game if they want to win. I mean, it’s not like they can just phone it in and expect to win. (Rowan Atkinson in a mock-serious tone) Although, if they do lose, they can always blame it on the referees…or the weather…or their opponents’ aggressive use of polite hand gestures.
On a more serious note, Bernard’s acknowledging that Atlético hasn’t had the best season in the Brazilian Championship. (Jimmy Carr dryly) Well, no kidding. They’re tenth, for crying out loud! That’s like finishing last in a pub quiz – not exactly something to brag about. (Lee Evans laughs)
But hey, at least Bernard’s being realistic about it, saying, “We have to pay attention…we have to know that this year we left something to be desired.” (Ricky Gervais) Ah, yes, that’s what they call a ” championship-winning mentality”…or not. (winks)
Anyway, that’s all for today, folks. Atlético’s got their work cut out for them, but we’ll be watching with bated breath (or not) to see how they do in the Copa Libertadores final. (Rowan Atkinson in a mock-excited tone) Oh, the suspense is killing me! (Jimmy Carr rolls his eyes)
Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to participate in the Itatiaia Esporte channels…or whatever it is they’re promoting. (Lee Evans chuckles) Cheers, mate!
Here is the rewritten article:
Following a disappointing 3-2 loss to Juventude at Independência in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday (26), Atlético midfielder Bernard reflected on the team’s performance, acknowledging the setback in the 36th round of the Brazilian Championship, which served as a warm-up for the highly anticipated Copa Libertadores final.
Atlético will now shift its focus to the Copa Libertadores final against Botafogo, scheduled for 5 pm (Brasília time) on Saturday (30) at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Despite the upset, Bernard expressed admiration for the team’s overall prowess and conveyed confidence in their abilities.
“We struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, with two shots hitting the post and several others narrowly missing the target. Although it’s a tough pill to swallow, we must move forward and concentrate on the upcoming final”, Bernard stated in an interview with Premiere.
“The clash against Botafogo on Saturday is of utmost importance. They are well aware of our capabilities and the strength of our team, which has consistently demonstrated its ability to excel in various competitions, including the Brazilian Championship and Copa Libertadores”, he added.
Atlético coach Cuca opted to rest key players in anticipation of the Copa Libertadores final, which ultimately allowed Juventude to capitalize on the opportunity and claim a 3-2 victory, propelling them to 13th place in the standings with 42 points. The defeat has left Atlético in tenth place with 44 points, a ranking that Bernard believes warrants attention.
“There’s no question that we need to take a closer look at our performance in the Brazilian Championship this year. As a team of Atlético’s caliber, we should always be vying for the top spot, not struggling to stay afloat mid-table as we have been”, Bernard emphasized.
Juventude secured an early 2-0 lead through goals from strikers Lucas Barbosa and Gilberto. Atlético responded with equalizers from Alisson and Eduardo Vargas, but Juventude ultimately emerged victorious courtesy of Erick Farias’ 48th-minute strike.
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