Diego Alves celebrates qualifying for the next stage of the Conmebol Libertadores
The goalkeeper was crucial in the victory over Emelec and has now gone 599 minutes without conceding a goal.
By John Peter Granette - in
With this Wednesday’s (16) 2-0 victory over Emelec, Flamengo secured a place in the round of 16 of the Conmebol Libertadores. Leaving the Maracanã, goalkeeper Diego Alves celebrated the achievement and also the great first half of the season that Mais Querido has been having.
"We're doing great in this first half of the year. It's been a long time since Flamengo managed to qualify for the first phase, and today we were able to show on the field that we're aiming for big goals."
The goalkeeper has now gone 599 minutes without conceding a goal and highlighted the great game Everton Ribeiro played in helping Flamengo secure qualification at the Maracanã.
"It was a very difficult game, where Emelec was playing without any pressure, which makes it a very dangerous game. We had the quality and ability to score the first goal and then seal the match with a set piece from Everton."
Flamengo is leading the Brazilian Championship and their next match is the derby against Vasco. Finally, Diego Alves spoke about the upcoming games against their rival and then against River Plate, away from home.
"It doesn't stop. We already have the Brazilian Championship this Saturday, another important game. Then there's River Plate in Argentina. We'll take it step by step, the way we're going, because I know we can grow more and achieve our goals."