The score was lopsided, but Guerrero and Jorge's goals came late in the second half. This prompted reflection from Muricy Ramalho, who acknowledged the team's drop in form in the second half, but valued the result.

"What mattered most was qualifying. We dropped off in the second half, but we rallied at the end and scored two more goals. We created several opportunities to kill the game, but we couldn't do it sooner. The opponent came at us, but what mattered was qualifying," he said. 

The coach also praised Marcelo Cirino. One of Flamengo's top scorers this season (alongside Guerrero, with eight goals), the number 7 has scored in his fourth consecutive game.

"I believe in his potential. He's fast, finishes well, and has been working hard. The psychological aspect is also good. He's finding his form and scoring goals," he concluded.

Before facing Vasco in the State Championship semi-final, Flamengo will play Confiança-SE on Wednesday in Volta Redonda. The match is valid for the first phase of the Copa do Brasil – the second leg. Flamengo needs to win by two goals to advance. A 1-0 victory will take the decision to penalties.