The days leading up to Wednesday's match between Flamengo and Corinthians at Maracanã Stadium were hectic in sports newsrooms across the country. Brazil's two biggest fan bases and two of its greatest football icons would face off in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. Expectations were therefore for a game packed with big plays.

But the rain that fell in Rio de Janeiro from early evening prevented both teams from playing their best football, especially in the first half, when the soggy Maracanã pitch caused the ball to land in puddles, making life difficult for the players.

"The pitch made the game quite difficult in the first half. Unfortunately, it wasn't the match we were hoping for. The game could have been more beautiful, with some great plays, but the important thing was that the team played well and got the result at the right time," lamented right-back Leonardo Moura.

Despite the difficulties they had in playing their fast-paced, touch-and-go football, Flamengo managed to beat Corinthians 1-0 and gained the advantage of only being able to draw in the second leg to advance to the quarter-finals.

"The advantage is important, of course, but we're going to play to win. We can't go in thinking about a draw. We're facing the group stage's top-placed team, a great team, but we have the ability to qualify and we'll definitely be ready for this challenge," said Leo.

A Flamengo fan since childhood, the full-back also praised the fans, who turned out in force at Maracanã and pushed the team to victory.

"The fans know we need them and I can only thank them for today's game and I ask that the fans continue to support us always, because on the field we will do everything possible to repay all this affection," he concluded.