Maldonado believes in pressure at Santa Laura
Chilean midfielder knows the stadium well and says it won't be easy to beat "La U" in Santiago
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
The stadium where Flamengo and Universidad de Chile will play this week isn't the one "La U" usually hosts, but it promises to be a real cauldron in the decisive Libertadores quarterfinal match. The cramped Santa Laura, with a capacity of just 18, is considered by those familiar with it ideal for putting pressure on the opponent.
Chilean Maldonado points out the main challenges of playing at this venue. He says the grass is very close to the field, which makes it easy for fans to interfere with the game.
"It's difficult to play there. I think their fans will put a lot of pressure on us, tickets are already sold out, and it's going to be tough. It's a small stadium, where the fence is very close to the field. Fluminense played there last year and struggled," he explained.
Despite this, the midfielder emphasizes that the stadium's grass is not bad and is not that small either.
"The grass is good, it's not full of holes and, although the stadium is small, the field is not much smaller than the ones we are used to playing on," he added.
Maldonado is expected to start the game on the bench this Thursday. The starting midfield is currently lined up with Toró, Willians, Kleberson, and Michael.
Chilean Maldonado points out the main challenges of playing at this venue. He says the grass is very close to the field, which makes it easy for fans to interfere with the game.
"It's difficult to play there. I think their fans will put a lot of pressure on us, tickets are already sold out, and it's going to be tough. It's a small stadium, where the fence is very close to the field. Fluminense played there last year and struggled," he explained.
Despite this, the midfielder emphasizes that the stadium's grass is not bad and is not that small either.
"The grass is good, it's not full of holes and, although the stadium is small, the field is not much smaller than the ones we are used to playing on," he added.
Maldonado is expected to start the game on the bench this Thursday. The starting midfield is currently lined up with Toró, Willians, Kleberson, and Michael.