The Globe
Even playing 'at home', Fla is defeated by Paraná: 2 to 1
Uberlândia's fans are not enough and the team cannot resist the opponent
UBERLÂNDIA, MG. Another setback in Flamengo's fight to escape the relegation zone. Playing at Parque do Sabiá Stadium, in front of a largely red-and-black crowd, the Rio de Janeiro team failed to secure its first home win. Paraná effectively took advantage of the reserve defense's lack of cohesion and managed to take a 2-0 lead. But Flamengo pulled back in the first half, and despite the pressure in the second half, the match ended 2-1.
With the result, Paraná moved up to fifth place with 19 points. Flamengo remains in the relegation zone in 18th place with eight points.
It was a thrilling first half. In the first attack, Thiago headed a corner from the right, and Leonardo, on the goal line, fired over the crossbar. In the third minute, Juan shot, and Flávio parried. But in the 27th minute, Léo Medeiros misjudged a run by Josiel, and the striker burst into the box unmarked to score, his 11th goal of the Brazilian Championship, with a toe-kick and from a low angle. With the score down, Flamengo fell into disarray.
Confused, the team cannot avoid defeat
Two minutes later, faced with poor midfield marking from the red-and-blacks, with their defensive midfielders making frequent mistakes, Josiel scored again. A stunning volley, capitalizing on a loose ball in a tussle between Rodrigo Arroz and Vinícius Pacheco. At 2-0, Paraná seemed in control until Juan went to the baseline in the 38th minute, and Léo Medeiros reduced the deficit with a powerful header.
From then on, it was a red-and-black massacre, with Flávio preventing the equalizer with saving saves in the 42nd, 43rd, and 46th minutes. In the second half, the panorama changed significantly. Flamengo attacked without inspiration, and Paraná defended sluggishly. Coach Ney Franco went on the attack definitively, with Obina coming on for the limited Paulinho, Leonardo Moura moving to midfield, and Luizinho taking over at right back from Leonardo.
Obina's introduction caused a stir among the Uberlândia red-and-blacks, but the Bahia native, after nearly five months out, only made one good play. In the 26th minute, he overwhelmed the defense and ended up dispossessed in the box. Despite attempting a more offensive stance, the red-and-blacks didn't threaten Flávio's goal, as they had in the first half. Lacking any playmaking ability, the Rio de Janeiro team attacked out of desperation.
One of the few moments of lucidity came in the 41st minute, when Obina attempted a long-range shot, which Flávio saved with relative ease. Despite the defeat, Obina had reason to celebrate.
"I'm back to doing what I wanted. I tried to play my game, but I couldn't change the score. I'm not yet at my best physical condition, and I need to play to get back into game shape," lamented Obina.
Ney Franco was realistic.
- Our defense failed in the first half and we were unable to change the game in the second half, despite our attempts - said the coach.
Yellow cards: Nem, Vinicius Pacheco, Rodrigo Arroz, Juan, Jailton, Souza, Flavio, Leonardo Moura.
Sports Journal
Ney Franco criticizes waste in finishing
Flamengo coach Ney Franco criticized his team's finishing in Thursday night's 2-1 loss to Paraná in Uberlândia in the Brazilian Championship. According to him, the team created several opportunities, especially in the first half, but failed to capitalize on them. He also praised the Paraná team's goalkeeper, Flávio.
With the loss to Paraná, Flamengo has now gone six games without a win in the championship. Ney Franco acknowledges that the board has been working hard and that the team needs to get back to winning ways:
- The board has given me support, but the time for victories has come because I know that a coach depends on results"
Obina: The only joy of the night
Striker Obina came on in the 15th minute of the second half and became the only source of joy for Flamengo fans on Thursday night, when the team was defeated by Paraná 2-1 in Uberlândia in the Brazilian Championship. The player returned after nearly five months of recovery from left knee surgery.
Obina revealed that before entering the field, he made "a special request to God" to enlighten him and his teammates. He acknowledges, however, that Paraná was having a happier night.
O Dia
Paraná defeats Flamengo on Obina's return
UBERLÂNDIA, MG - The setting was perfect for a great performance. The red-and-black fans filled Parque do Sabiá, giving the team a comfortable start. Bruno and Renato Augusto returned to the lineup, along with favorite Obina, who came on 15 minutes into the second half. But the one who shone was Josiel, the Brasileirão's top scorer, who scored both goals for Paraná in the 2-1 victory over Flamengo.
Léo Medeiros pulled one back for the Rio de Janeiro team, which remains in the relegation zone. Josiel's team, which reached 12 goals in the competition, moved up to 19 points in the standings. On Sunday, Flamengo visits Grêmio in Porto Alegre.
Before the ball rolled, the players gathered in midfield and prayed for the victims of the TAM plane crash. The first half was electrifying, with goals and missed chances for both teams. Flamengo started the game better and within three minutes had already missed two good opportunities, with Juan and Leonardo.
But Paraná was also alive in the match and showed its calling card with dangerous shots from Vandinho and Josiel, which Bruno parried. Then, in the 27th minute, Josiel opened the scoring. The striker made a beautiful play down the right, leaving Léo Medeiros in the lurch, bursting into the box and unleashing a powerful cross-shot.
Paraná extended their lead two minutes later, again through Josiel. The ball bounced into the box for the striker, who found Bruno's top corner.
The Gávea team responded in the 36th minute. Juan crossed from the left for Léo Medeiros to head home. During halftime, a fan threw a camera onto the field, but was identified and arrested by police.
Flamengo went in search of an equalizer in the second half. Fifteen minutes in, Ney Franco obliged the fans and brought on Obina's return, taking off Leonardo. But the striker did little, and the club, in a dark hole, suffered another defeat.
Sports Gazette
Despite the missed goals, Ney Franco does not criticize the attack
Uberlândia (MG) - After the 2-1 loss to Paraná, Flamengo coach Ney Franco stated that Paraná was more efficient offensively. However, the manager preferred not to criticize his forwards. For the coach, the excellent finishing ability of Josiel, scorer of both of the Tricolor from Paraná's goals in the match and top scorer in the Brazilian Championship, ultimately decided the match. "They had a better shooting record. And that's what gave them the three points," he explained.
While noting that Flamengo created good chances, he avoided criticizing the Rio de Janeiro team's center forwards who participated in the match. "Both Souza and Leonardo have quality. Obina and Paulo Sérgio, who came on in the second half, are also very good. The players here deserve to wear the Flamengo jersey," he emphasized.
Obina, who returned to the field after a serious knee injury, also lamented the fact that he failed to score. "I couldn't score the goal I was planning. Flamengo conceded an early goal, and from there it's difficult to react," he concluded.
Paraná defeats Flamengo in Minas
By correspondent Luiz Felipe Fagundes
Curitiba (PR) - Paraná Clube defeated Flamengo 2-1 at Parque do Sabiá in Uberlândia, in the farewell match for coach Pintado. With the result, the Paraná team maintained its unbeaten away record and reached 19 points, returning to the fight for a spot in the top four. Meanwhile, the Rio de Janeiro team remains in the relegation zone and has yet to win at home. Despite the support of the Minas Gerais fans, the Tricolor da Vila took the lead. In the 4th minute, Josiel made an individual play, entered the box, and scored a beautiful goal. Two minutes later, the Brasileirão's top scorer scored his 27th goal with a shot from the edge of the box. The Rubro-Negro pulled one back in the 12th minute with a header from Léo Medeiros.
In the second half, the match became more tense, with intense fighting in midfield. The most memorable moment was the introduction of Obina, who hadn't played a game since February, recovering from a serious knee injury. However, he couldn't save the team from defeat.
In the next round, Flamengo travels to Rio Grande do Sul, where they face Grêmio on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium in Porto Alegre. Paraná Clube hosts Palmeiras on the same day at Vila Capanema.
The game: Cheered on by the fans in Uberlândia, Mengão had the first chance after just two minutes. After a corner kick, Thiago Gosling headed the ball, and Juan, inside the six-yard box, managed to tip it over the goal. In the third minute, Juan took a shot from outside the box, and Flávio tapped it over the goal line. The answer came in the sixth minute. Vandinho took a free kick, the ball deflected off the wall and almost fooled Bruno.
Flamengo leveled the score, helped by Flamengo's passing errors. In the 13th minute, Josiel spun from the edge of the box and Bruno cleared it with his fingertips. The Rio de Janeiro team threatened again in the 15th minute, after a header from Thiago Gosling. The Paraná defense cleared the ball from the six-yard box, and Leonardo fired the rebound to the right of the goal.
Three minutes later, Renato Augusto made a move down the right, and Juan fired a first-time shot after a pass that Flávio saved brilliantly. The game was lively, and in the 20th minute, Vinícius Pacheco took a shot from outside the box, but the ball flew just wide, scaring the goalkeeper. Then, in the 27th minute, Josiel received the ball on the edge of the box, cut inside, and fired a cross-shot past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
The championship's top scorer was unstoppable. Josiel received the ball in the box in the 29th minute and tried to chest it down to Vinícus Pacheco. The ball fell to the striker, who fired into the top corner to extend the lead. Josiel nearly added another in the 33rd minute. From a sliding tackle inside the box, the striker flicked the ball just wide of the right of the goal.
Flamengo's comeback began in the 36th minute. After a cross from Juan, Léo Medeiros headed the ball into the net. Six minutes later, Renato Augusto crossed into the box, Leonardo arrived, and the Panther saved with his feet. In the 43rd minute, Léo Medeiros took a free kick, and Flávio made another good save.
In the second half, the game became a bit more tense in the opening minutes. In the fifth minute, Alex crossed into the box, but Bruno got ahead of Josiel and got the ball. In the ninth minute, Vandinho took a free kick, and Bruno went to the corner to tap it in. The response came in kind. Léo Medeiros took a free kick in the 12th minute, and the ball sailed dangerously over the goal.
At the fans' urging, coach Ney Franco brought Obina onto the field, trying to liven up the game. In the 18th minute, Jaílton took a chance from midfield, and the ball went wide of the goal. The pace of the game wasn't nearly the same as in the first half, but the outcome seemed uncertain. In the 28th minute, Obina made an individual play, but Márcio Careca got there to save Paraná.
Taking a long shot to try to equalize, Renato Augusto fired a shot from outside the box in the 34th minute, but it went wide. Flamengo tried to apply some pressure late on, but the Tricolor controlled the match well. In the 41st minute, Obina fired a powerful shot that Flávio made the save, sealing the result, much to the disappointment of the Minas Gerais fans at Parque do Sabiá.
PeléNet
Flamengo fan sentenced to 15 years in prison
Flamengo fan Jéferson do Carmo Melchiades Vieira was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the murder of Botafogo fan Rhafick Tavares da Silva Cancio, during a fan fight in November 2005, according to information from the website O Dia Online.
The conviction was handed down by the Jury Court of Piraí, a municipality in the interior of the state of Rio de Janeiro. In the ruling, Judge Márcia da Silva Ribeiro set the sentence at 12 years in prison, but increased it to 15 because Jéferson committed the crime while on parole, having previously been convicted of robbery.
According to the court ruling, Jéferson will not be able to appeal his sentence while free. Initially, the Flamengo fan will have to serve his sentence in a closed prison.
The crime took place on the night of November 6, 2005, when Flamengo and Botafogo fans were returning by bus from Volta Redonda, where the teams faced each other in the Brazilian Championship.
At the time, the case gained widespread attention due to the cruelty of Jéferson, who killed the Botafogo fan with a sickle. The murder took place on the Presidente Dutra highway, near Serra das Araras, in the municipality of Piraí.
A bus carrying Alvinegro fans stopped on the Serra das Araras slope due to a flat tire. The red-and-black fans, who were following on another bus, disembarked and began taunting their rivals. According to police, more than 120 people were involved in the all-out brawl.
Ney Franco praises Paraná and says Fla was not competent
After the 2-1 loss to Paraná this Thursday in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, in the Brazilian Championship, coach Ney Franco sought explanations for the negative result. According to the coach, the opponent's strengths and Flamengo's lack of competence were decisive.
"It was a balanced game. In the first half, both teams came out with their own ideas: Flamengo on the attack and Paraná on the counterattack. In addition to the opponent setting up counterattacks well, we found a player who unbalanced the match, which was Josiel," commented Ney Franco, referring to the striker who scored both goals for Paraná this Thursday and is the current top scorer in the championship, with 12 goals.
After conceding two goals in two minutes, Flamengo managed to reduce the deficit in the first half through Léo Medeiros. However, in the second half, Flamengo barely threatened Paraná.
"In the first half, we scored a goal that gave us hope of a draw. In the second, our team looked for a goal, but didn't create many opportunities and didn't have the ability to equalize and then turn the game around," said Ney Franco, who also praised the Paraná goalkeeper's performance.
"On three occasions, Flávio performed very well. They were more competent in terms of finishing and that was worth the three points for Paraná," concluded the Flamengo coach.
Flamengo full-back sees positives in defeat
Although Flamengo has only one win in nine games in the Brazilian Championship, right-back Leonardo Moura highlighted the team's positive aspects after the 2-1 defeat to Paraná, in Uberlândia-MG, on Thursday night.
"I think we can't help but say that we created a lot of chances and had a lot of shots on goal. Of course, a team like Flamengo can't be in this position in the table, but I'm sure we'll get there," commented the Flamengo player, who is currently in 18th place with eight points.
The winger, captain of the team in the match against Paraná, was frequently involved in attacking and, in the second half, was moved to midfield by coach Ney Franco. According to the player, however, the victory was thwarted by the team's excessive passing errors, which allowed the opponent to counterattack.
"We really made mistakes in this regard, giving Paraná chances to get to our defense. Now we have to fix that, especially because the game against Grêmio will be more difficult and we can't afford to make mistakes like that. If we get these passes right, we'll get to the goal more often," analyzed Leonardo Moura, referring to next Sunday's game in Porto Alegre.
Flamengo has been in the relegation zone since the sixth round of the championship and is currently three points behind Juventude, the first team in the relegation zone. The Flamengo defender says the Rio de Janeiro team cannot allow their opponents to open up an advantage.
"The main thing is not to let our opponents get away from us in the table. We're playing with a focused attitude on the field, always shouting and talking to each other so that there's no lapse in attention. We'll work to ensure that these mistakes don't happen again," said Leonardo Moura.
Obina returns, but can't celebrate Flamengo's defeat
After nearly five months out, striker Obina returned to the field this Thursday, in Flamengo's 2-1 loss to Paraná in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, in the Brazilian Championship. The poor result prevented the fans' favorite from celebrating his return.
However, the striker even had reason to celebrate his performance. Lacking match fitness, he started the match on the bench and only came on 15 minutes into the second half. During this period, he had two strong performances.
In the 28th minute, he received a ball in the middle, dribbled past three opponents, and burst into the box, but fell to the ground after a challenge with a Paraná defender. In the 41st minute, he took a shot from outside the box, but the ball went wide of goalkeeper Flávio's right post.
"I came back well, but it wasn't worth it because Flamengo didn't win. I came in with dedication, of course I'm not at my best yet, but I tried to give us more opportunities. Unfortunately, I didn't get the chance," said Obina, who hadn't played since February 25, when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the derby against Vasco, still in the Rio State Championship.
Obina attributed the defeat to Flamengo's first-half goals. He also warned the team about their dire situation in the standings. The result left the team with just eight points, in the relegation zone, despite having played three games less than most of their rivals.
"Flamengo conceded two early goals, and it's difficult to turn the score around. I hope this defeat serves as a lesson so we don't drop any more precious points like we did today [Thursday]," continued the striker, who was warmly welcomed by the Flamengo fans in Uberlândia.
Obina underwent ligament repair surgery on March 1st. Flamengo doctors initially estimated his return within six months, but he returned in just over four and a half months.
BalloonSport
Ney Franco knows he needs victories
Coach says he is not worried about his position at Flamengo
Despite going seven games without a win (watch the goals from the loss to Paraná in the video), Ney Franco says he's not worried about his position at Flamengo. The coach acknowledges that he needs results to stay.
"Given the board's stance, they've been supportive. But now is the time for us to achieve victories, because the coach thrives on results," he states. The red-and-black board signed a one-year contract with the coach when an Arab club wanted to hire him.
Obina regrets defeat on his return
The striker returned to the Flamengo team after five months away due to a serious injury.
The night was pure joy for Flamengo fans. The return of striker Obina, after five months out due to a serious left knee injury, brought a crowd to Parque do Sabiá in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. In the match against Paraná, the team failed to deliver on the field and was defeated 2-1.
The favorite of the red-and-black fans came on in the 15th minute of the second half, made a great run (watch the video above) and scored a dangerous shot. After the game, the striker lamented the final result.
"I felt good, but it wasn't worth it because we didn't win. This defeat will serve as a lesson so we don't lose any more precious points," he says.
Upon entering the field, the striker made a special request:
"I asked God to enlighten me and my teammates. Unfortunately, Paraná was having a better night," he admits.
Josiel scores twice and Tricolor detonates Mengão
Top scorer of the Brasileirão, with 12 goals, decides for Tricolor paranaense, in Uberlândia
In a game full of possibilities, Paraná ended its four-game winless streak in the Brasileirão, defeating Flamengo 2-1 away from home. The match was played in Uberlândia, at Parque do Sabiá. Paraná jumped up the table, reaching 19 points, closing in on the top four. Meanwhile, Rubro-Negro, despite the return of striker Obina, has gone seven games without a win (4 draws and 5 losses) and remains in the relegation zone with just eight points (watch Paraná's second goal in the video below).
The teams return to action next Sunday. The Rio de Janeiro team travels to Porto Alegre to face Grêmio at the Olímpico Stadium at 16 p.m. Paraná hosts Palmeiras at 18:10 p.m. at Vila Capanema.
Sprinter game
Flamengo and Paraná began their duel with a Pan American Games atmosphere. With great determination, the players displayed determination from the opening minutes of the match and played with high rotation. Encouraged by the fans, Flamengo forced the defense in the opponent's half. The Tricolor from Paraná struggled to maintain possession, but soon found their feet and went on the attack.
Goalkeepers or gymnasts?
The first good chance fell to the Red-Blacks. In the third minute, left-back Juan took a shot from outside the box, forcing the Paraná goalkeeper into a great save and a truly acrobatic performance.
The Paraná team's response was quick. In the sixth minute, Bruno startled the fans at Parque do Sabiá. Luís Henrique's free kick deflected off the defense and fell easily to the goalkeeper. But the number 6 almost let it in.
Bruno was forced to work again in the 13th minute. Striker Josiel, the Brasileirão's top scorer, escaped his marker in the box, shot hard, and the goalkeeper jumped to clear it with his fingertips.
The most beautiful and impressive play of the first half occurred in the 17th minute. Renato Augusto lifted the ball into the box, Juan shot first time, and Flávio made another of his fine saves (watch the video below).
Paranist boxer
In the 27th minute, the Red-Black team suffered a heavy blow. A beautiful individual play by top scorer Josiel gave Paraná the lead. The player burst into the box and fired a shot with his left foot, scoring his 11th goal in the Brasileirão.
With the score open, Josiel silenced the fans at Parque do Sábia again two minutes later. The striker was released into the box, had time to miscontrol the ball, accidentally exchange passes with Vinícius Pacheco, and fire a shot past goalkeeper Bruno.
Accurate shot
In the 36th minute, Juan delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Leo Medeiros came in like a shot to reduce the deficit. The red-and-black fans in Uberlândia went wild, pushing their team forward.
Flamengo's blitz was only ineffective thanks to Flávio. He saved Paraná from an equalizer twice in a row. The first time, Leonardo shot straight at goal, but the goalkeeper saved it with his foot in the 42nd minute. A minute later, Leo Medeiros took a free kick from distance, and the number 1 sent it out for a corner. And what's more: in the 46th minute, Souza was free in the box, but shot straight at Flávio.
Pump relay
At the start of the second half, the teams continued to attack with intensity, but without the same rhythm. Long-range shots were the solution to breaking through the defense, but Bruno and Flávio remained alert.
He returned!
After nearly five months out due to a serious knee injury, striker Obina returned to Flamengo against Paraná in the 15th minute. In the 28th minute, the Flamengo fans' favorite made a run at the Tricolor defense, but ended up dispossessed when he was about to shoot (watch the video below).
From then on, Flamengo showed little energy and ended up losing once again in the Brasileirão. A special day for the red-and-blacks ended badly. On the other hand, coach Pintado's farewell to Paraná was in style.
Ney says Fla sinned in finishing
Coach praises Paraná goalkeeper Flávio's good performance and maintains confidence
Lance\ Defender Thiago did not do well in the duel against the Paranistas\
After a seventh winless run in the Brazilian Championship, coach Ney Franco said Flamengo's finishing skills faltered against Paraná. The Red-Black team was defeated 2-1 at Parque do Sabiá in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, this Thursday.
"In the first half, Flávio (Paraná's goalkeeper) did a great job with Leo Medeiros' long-range shot and then with Souza's shot from inside the box. Paraná was more competent in their finishing, and that earned them the three points," he acknowledges.
Flamengo's manager also made it clear that he is counting on the reinforcements that have recently arrived at Gávea to help the team escape the relegation zone.
"I hope the players get better soon. There are four good reinforcements, and we hope they can arrive and help us out of this situation. We know that Ibson will only be able to play starting in August, as will Maxi. Cristian is fit to play, having played three games for Atlético-PR, and we imagine Roger will also be able to play soon. We'll use the players at the right time," he says.
Flamengo is 18th in the Brasileirão, with just eight points.
Fla may lose home field advantage
Fan throws camera at Paraná's bench and ends up arrested
After Paraná's second goal in the match against Flamengo this Thursday, a camera was thrown onto the Paraná team's bench. Police identified the fan and filed a police report.
The offender appeared to be 30 years old and had traveled from Rio de Janeiro to watch the game. The incident should also be recorded in the match report, which could result in Flamengo losing home-field advantage in the Brasileirão.
Throw
At the party in Uberlândia, Paraná beats Fla
Rubro-Negro stops at the team from Paraná and loses 2-1
Flamengo failed to win in Uberlândia (Credit: Célio Mesias)
Hugo Perruso
During the 15th anniversary celebration of Flamengo's fifth Brazilian championship, Paraná crashed the party and spoiled the celebration for the red-and-black Minas Gerais fans who turned out in large numbers at Parque do Sabiá in Uberlândia. The many fans didn't expect to see Flamengo lose 2-1 to Tricolor Paranaense, with goals from Josiel, with Léo Medeiros scoring a goal, and left without the victory as a gift.
Still without Roger and Ibson, but with the returns of Bruno, Renato Augusto, and Léo Moura, Flamengo wanted to give their fans a treat right from the start and went all out against Paraná. On the bench, after nearly five months out due to left knee surgery, Obina watched as his strike partner Leonardo missed a goal under the crossbar in the first minute, following a corner kick deflected by Thiago.
Aiming to spoil the beautiful party, Paraná relied on goalkeeper Flávio, who made at least five good saves in the first half, and forward Josiel. The Brasileirão's top scorer, now with 12 goals, was the most dangerous player for the Paraná team until finally scoring the first of the game in the 27th minute. He left Léo Medeiros on the ground and, from a poor angle, fired a cross-shot. Two minutes later, the forward took advantage of a rebound from the challenge between Vinícius Pacheco and Rodrigo Arroz, controlled it with his chest, and fired a shot past Bruno: 2-0.
The goal silenced the raucous crowd and disoriented Flamengo, who nearly conceded another third goal through Josiel in the 33rd minute. But Léo Medeiros once again livened up the red-and-black celebrations at the stadium in the 36th minute. The midfielder capitalized on Juan's perfect cross and headed the ball into the back of the net. The crowd grew stronger again and nearly celebrated another goal in the last minute. In the only chance they had, Souza was stopped by Flávio's feet, and Obina's shadow began to appear.
Early in the second half, Flamengo's attack failed to trouble Paraná, and chants for Obina began. Meanwhile, Josiel continued to give the Flamengo defense trouble. Trailing the game, the only reason the fans celebrated was Obina's introduction in the 15th minute. The entire stadium erupted in joy.
Two minutes later, the favorite had his first chance. Juan crossed from the left and Obina almost reached it, but the defense sent it out for a corner. Flamengo began to press, and Paraná, cornered, tried to mount counterattacks, without much success. The changes made by coaches Ney Franco and Pintado slowed the pace of both teams, and the game, which had been good, became boring.
In the 28th minute, the crowd nearly went wild. Obina received the ball outside the box, lined up, and nearly scored a stunning goal, but as he went to shoot, he was blocked by Luis Henrique. The pressure mounted. Ney Franco decided to take off Jaílton and bring on another striker. But Paraná held on.
With the game over, the red-and-black fans left Parque do Sabiá with the bitter taste of defeat and knowing they would spend another round in the relegation zone, with just eight points from nine games. A special day for the red-and-blacks ended badly. And, in coach Pintado's farewell, Paraná fans were the ones who had the victory to celebrate.
Obina: 'I felt good, but it wasn't worth it'
Striker laments defeat to Paraná on his return to the pitch\ LANCEPRESS!\
The only reason for Flamengo fans to be happy in the 2-1 loss to Paraná was Obina's return from left knee surgery, which kept him out of action for nearly five months. The striker came on in the 15th minute of the second half and nearly scored a stunning goal, but he wasn't happy with the result.
"I felt good, but it wasn't worth it because we didn't win. This defeat will serve as a lesson so we don't lose any more precious points," he said.
When it was time to enter the field, after almost five months out, the striker made a special request:
"I asked God to enlighten me and my teammates. Unfortunately, Paraná was having a better night," he said.
Ney: 'We didn't have the ability to draw'
Coach complains about lack of opportunities created in the second half\ LANCEPRESS!\
In the 2-1 loss to Paraná, Ney Franco complained about the team's missed chances in the first half of Thursday's game. The coach praised the performance of opposing goalkeeper Flávio, but was unhappy with the team's performance in the second half, when they didn't produce as many chances as in the first.
"It was a balanced game. Flamengo looked to attack, and Paraná came out with a counterattack. We didn't create many opportunities in the second half and didn't have the ability to equalize," he said.