From eliminations from the Copa Libertadores in 2007 and 2008 to a glorious debut in 2010, including his absence from the 2009 edition of the competition, Leonardo Moura has experienced many emotions at Flamengo. Both good and bad. Among the best, winning his fifth Rio de Janeiro title and sixth Brazilian title, and the worst, the widespread criticism of his football and the nose injury that forced him out of preseason training at the beginning of the year. But for the right-back, the outcome is entirely positive. Especially after a gala night like Wednesday's at Maracanã.

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A standout performer in Flamengo's international debut, Leonardo Moura only failed to make waves against Universidad Católica. The full-back displayed the stamina that has established him as one of the best at his position in the country since he established himself at Flamengo, and he also delivered precise passes, including the assist for Adriano's goal, the Rubro-Negro's second. Not to mention the beautiful free kick, à la Zico, that paved the way for victory.

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"Thank God, everything went well today. I promised my daughters, Duda and Bella, that I would score a goal today, and I kept my promise. This game was definitely one of the best of my life. It will be remembered forever, especially after everything I went through at the beginning of the year. I left the field to applause and was very happy about that," he said.

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Analyzing the match, Leo believes that, just from the debut, the team got a good idea of ​​what the rest of the competition will be like: a highly contested one. According to him, Flamengo can't complain about the refereeing or the opponents' harsh tackles, but should do the same: enter with great vigor and determination, but, of course, without losing loyalty.

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"We showed a lot of desire from the start, and that's how it should be. I thought Williams's move could have ended up with a yellow card, but I was far away and I didn't see what happened properly. We can't complain about the refereeing. This championship is different, there's a lot of physical play, and we have to play that way too. Coming in hard, firm, but with loyalty and possession," he explained.

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Regarding the amazing free kick goal, the number two player reveals that he had a little help from Adriano, who he reciprocated with a millimeter pass in the second goal.

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"I felt confident and asked Adriano to let me take the shot. He just told me to send it over the third man in the wall. It worked and the ball went in," he revealed.

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The historic feat, not achieved since 1984, of starting a Copa Libertadores da América with a victory excited Flamengo's number 2. For Leonardo Moura, this result was important not only to secure the three points, but also because the Rubro-Negro's next two matches are away from home, where matches are always more difficult.

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"It was important to start off on the right foot because the fans and the group really need this title. The next games are away from home, and it's crucial to secure points at home. It's difficult to focus on both competitions at the same time, but we want both titles. The group is united and focused on these goals," he added.