After adding another point in the Conmebol Libertadores group stage with a 1-1 draw against Independiente Santa Fe of Colombia, Diego spoke to journalists in the mixed zone at the Maracanã. Despite a good performance, especially in the first half, victory eluded them, and the midfielder commented on what was missing for them to achieve it.

“Perhaps deciding the game in the early stages was crucial. They couldn't get their marking right. After the equalizer, they improved significantly in terms of compactness, and the game became tougher, but even so, we had other opportunities. We couldn't convert them, and we're unhappy with this result. It wasn't what we wanted,” he analyzed.

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Even with a result that wasn't ideal, the number 10's confidence in the Flamengo squad's ability to advance to the next phase of the competition remained unshaken; on the contrary.

“I’m sure we’ll qualify. It’s a result we didn’t want. Based on the history of the game, we should have won. But we remain strong and will go into the next match looking for a victory. We have three more games,” he stated.

In the last game punished with closed doors for matches where Flamengo was the home team, the absence of the fans' support inevitably had a negative influence on the performance.  

"It's a difficulty we have to overcome. Everyone knows the factor of playing at home in the Libertadores, but this was a situation we knew we would face. The fans have been doing their part," "They came here the day before the game to show all their support, and it's up to us on the field to do our part. We leave here today dissatisfied because we weren't able to repay everything they did," said the midfielder.

A determining factor in a tournament as important as the Conmebol Libertadores, picking up points away from home will be fundamental to achieving this objective. In the next match for the continental competition, Mais Querido will travel to Colombia to face again the opponent from this Wednesday (18). 

“We need to improve and continue in the same way away from home. It was a factor that we lacked last season, and that we have improved this year. But playing at home alongside the fans is much better. We need to be aware of that and take advantage of it when we have the opportunity,” concluded the number 10.