In the first half, Gustavo Cuéllar and Willian Arão swapped positions as defensive midfielders to be deployed up front. In two chances brimming with attention and opportunism, the players left their mark on Flamengo's qualification for the quarterfinals of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana, a first for the Mais Querido. Besides the goal, they also stood out for doing what they do best.

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For the Colombian, who finished the match with 66 completed passes, three shots, and four tackles, the victory was crucial for Flamengo. "I believe we played a great game because everyone was focused. We scored goals when we had opportunities and came away without conceding. This is important for us to build confidence for the next big games. It's a starting point," Cuéllar analyzed.

The midfielder also spoke about being in the right place at the right time. "Rueda really demands that the midfielders also show up in the box. Luckily, the ball fell to me, and I was able to take advantage. The important thing is that Flamengo won, qualified, and is confident," celebrated the number 26.

 Willian Arão also commented on the midfielders' performance against Chapecoense. The number 5 finished the match with two successful passes, 50 passes, two assists, and one tackle.

"We do what coach Rueda asks. Our first job is to mark, provide coverage, and get the ball out well. However, he also asks that, whenever possible, we be there, presenting ourselves inside the box. We left satisfied that night," Arão assessed.

In 110 official matches for Flamengo, Arão has scored 15 goals, eight of which came in 2017 alone, and provided 14 assists. Cuéllar, meanwhile, has played 67 matches for Flamengo, scoring his second goal for the club and providing an assist.