They arrived at Flamengo in August and were considered crucial in the Gávea team's run to its sixth Brazilian championship, which it won this Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Grêmio. However, neither Alvaro nor Maldonado were on the field for the match that crowned Flamengo national champions for the sixth time in its 114-year history and 38 years of competition. From the stands, they suffered alongside their teammates, but 90 minutes later, they were able to sing their hearts out and celebrate the title.

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Chilean midfielder Maldonado had an excellent second half of the year. Proof of this is that the injury he suffered occurred upon his return to the Chilean national team, for which he had not been called up for a long time. At Flamengo, the midfielder rediscovered his best form, helped organize the defense, and provided the team with the much-needed touch of experience. Aware of his importance, the player reveals that, had he been on the field, he wouldn't have been so anxious, but since he wasn't...

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"It was hard just watching. I'm recovered now, although I'm still limping a bit, but I was cheering a lot. Especially in the game against Goiás, still in the clinic, after the surgery, I cheered a lot, and in this game now I was already in the stands. I was excited, I was nervous, imagining a lot of things, if it would work out, if it wouldn't... It was very difficult. When you're in the game, it's much calmer, you can do your job, but in the end, everything worked out," explained Maldonado.

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The tension was even greater due to the first half, in which Flamengo didn't play well and conceded the first goal in the 21st minute. However, defender David's goal sparked a comeback that culminated in the title. "The start of the game was difficult, but thank God we managed to turn it around. It was a tough, emotional game, but it was more than deserved," said David.