08/15/2024 11:51 PM. Updated on 08/16/2024 12:14 AM.
Flemish achieved an important victory: 2 to 0 against Bolivar in the first leg at the Maracaná, a difference that does not decide the round of 16 tie of the Copa Libertadores because the return match will be at altitude in La Paz. In any case, the victory of Tite’s team had two very negative points, the injuries of Pedro and Gabigol, two forwards, both with muscular problems.
Pedro came off after 35 minutes of the first half. He was holding the back of his right leg. A typical sign of a tear. Meanwhile, Gabigol felt pain towards the end and went straight to the locker room before the end. As the team had already used up all the substitution windows, he ended up with ten. In these cases, a week is not usually enough for recovery: the return match in Bolivia is next Thursday.
The image of Pedro leaving (Reuters). Gabigol during the match against Bolívar (EFE).
Goalkeeper Agustín Rossi, formerly of Boca, and Uruguayan midfielder Nico de la Cruz, formerly of River, were starters for Fla, which had midfielder Luiz Araujo as its star player: he scored the 1-0 by finishing in a very good collective play and gave the assist for Pereira’s goal (header), at the end of the match. The Cariocas felt the loss of Pedro (Gabigol was his substitute).
Mengao, who had 64% possession and 19 shots in total, had difficulties extending the lead and even saw their victory threatened with a header from Yomar Rocha hitting the post six minutes from the end.
Léo Pereira and Fabrício Bruno celebrate a goal from Flamengo (EFE).
Flamengo cannot focus only on the Libertadores: next Sunday they face Botafogo, leader of the Brasileirao, and if they win they will be the leader of the tournament. However, they have a good card for the rematch: if Bolívar ties the series, they know that Rossi is highly effective in penalties.
Agustin Rossi against Bolivar (Reuters).
See also
Copa Libertadores: Round of 16 bracket, schedule and results
See also
