Out of Wednesday's match due to a calf injury, defender Álvaro is watching the match against Corinthians from the special seats at Maracanã. The experienced Flamengo defender lamented his absence from this crucial match, but expressed confidence in a victory for his teammates, even with a man down.

"The team did well in the first half, carrying the ball down the flanks, but the sending off wasn't fair. But I hope the team can come back strong and get a win," he said.

Despite this, the defender disagreed with referee Carlos Amarilla's decision to send off Michael. According to him, the Paraguayan was too harsh on the play.

"The Libertadores is like that. We have to get used to it. But I don't think the first card was necessary," he added.

Álvaro also didn't face Caracas, in the last match of the Libertadores group stage, and Botafogo, in the Taça Rio final.