Players comment on reunion with "La U"
Petkovic and Bruno believe that the series against Universidad de Chile in the Libertadores quarterfinals will not be easy.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
The only team Flamengo failed to win against in the 2010 Libertadores is back in the red-and-black's path. Universidad de Chile is the team from Gávea's quarterfinal opponent, and the players from the reigning Brazilian champions know they won't have an easy time against the Chileans.
Universidad was the overwhelming favorite to secure this spot to face the red-and-black team ever since the final series pairings were decided. The Chileans faced Alianza de Lima of Peru in the round of 16 and lived up to expectations, qualifying despite many difficulties.
"We already imagined that Universidad de Chile would be our opponent, and when that was confirmed, I think the entire group had a unanimous opinion: we already know their team, but they also know us. This can be an advantage and a disadvantage. But it's better that at least Chile is closer than Peru," he said.
In the first round, "La U" defeated Flamengo in Chile 2-0 and in the return match at the Maracanã, managed to snatch a last-minute draw. Given this record, goalkeeper Bruno believes the team will need to improve to advance in the competition.
"Universidad de Chile is a strong team and difficult to beat. They're one of the only undefeated teams in the Libertadores, they played us hard in Santiago and here in Rio, and it's going to be tough. But there are no easy games in the Libertadores. We know that and we'll overcome them to advance," he concluded.
Universidad was the overwhelming favorite to secure this spot to face the red-and-black team ever since the final series pairings were decided. The Chileans faced Alianza de Lima of Peru in the round of 16 and lived up to expectations, qualifying despite many difficulties.
"We already imagined that Universidad de Chile would be our opponent, and when that was confirmed, I think the entire group had a unanimous opinion: we already know their team, but they also know us. This can be an advantage and a disadvantage. But it's better that at least Chile is closer than Peru," he said.
In the first round, "La U" defeated Flamengo in Chile 2-0 and in the return match at the Maracanã, managed to snatch a last-minute draw. Given this record, goalkeeper Bruno believes the team will need to improve to advance in the competition.
"Universidad de Chile is a strong team and difficult to beat. They're one of the only undefeated teams in the Libertadores, they played us hard in Santiago and here in Rio, and it's going to be tough. But there are no easy games in the Libertadores. We know that and we'll overcome them to advance," he concluded.