It's a free kick just outside the box. Guess who's going to take it? Diego looked at the ball and at Cavalieri. A sigh, another glance, and the whistle blew, authorizing the shot. A clean, cool, and accurate shot. Nine minutes into the first half, Gávea's number 9 leveled the score at Maracanã and began his brilliant performance.

The draw against Fluminense this Wednesday (1) marked the Mais Querido's qualification for the semifinals of the Conmebol South American. For Diego, the duel also represented his first goal in the competition, in addition to the second from a free kick with the Manto Sagrado. After watching the ball die in the back of the net, the midfielder ran towards the fans with open arms and pointed to the shirt showing that this is Flamengo.

A standout player in the Fla-Flu match, Diego spoke to the press in the mixed zone of the Maracanã after the final whistle and celebrated the qualification, in addition to praising the fans and highlighting their importance.

"In the first game, we showed a lot of grit. Today, everyone was put to the test, and the team delivered. We played a great game against a great team, but I believe the real star was the fans. The way they supported us deserves to be honored. We've had some disconnected games, and that made us weaker. But it's worth highlighting, because the fans deserve to know their importance and how they can directly influence the matches. Every time we conceded goals, they continued to sing, and this directly reflects on the field. It's good that they know this, that they continue to support and believe, even when disappointed at times. We understand, and they have every right to express that. When they decide to support us, they are unique and special. It was a wonderful atmosphere, a truly heroic qualification that deserves to be celebrated," the player exclaimed.

Diego also analyzed the match and the Red-Black team's record against state rivals this year. "Our record in classics is something that needs to be highlighted, as they are always difficult games. Overcoming these moments strengthens us. We will remember and remember our performance today. Once again, we are in the semifinals of an important tournament, and that is worth celebrating. Our goal is the title, and we will go for it. This was just one stage; we need to be humble and keep our feet on the ground," he said.

The next challenge will be against Grêmio on Sunday (5), at 17 pm, at Arena do Grêmio in Porto Alegre.