Particularly during the first half, Lucas Paquetá was the main outlet for a Flamengo side that struggled to break through Junior Barranquilla's strong forward marking. Through individual play and quick one-twos, the midfielder created space and created the Mais Querido's biggest chances, the clearest being a cross from the number 29 to Felipe Vizeu, who was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

While technical quality struggled to make a difference, the determination to fight for every ball was never absent. Paquetá epitomizes this feisty style in the squad and emphasized the excellent work done by the players in Thursday's 2-0 victory, which secured Flamengo a spot in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana final.

"I think that not only I but all my teammates want to go out on the field and give our best for Flamengo. Do everything possible and impossible to achieve victories and titles. I've been trying to give my all, to do my part. With all my teammates doing this, I'm sure we'll achieve great things," he projected.

The night in Barranquilla was marked by the Boys of the Nest. Paquetá was the standout performer in the first half. Meanwhile, in the second half, Felipe Vizeu scored both winning goals. Besides the center forward, goalkeeper César, a graduate of the club's youth academy, had a great performance, saving a penalty from Chará. The midfielder emphasized the importance of the club's youth academy players.

"I'm happy for Vizeu today, who scored the goals. I'm also happy for Vinicius Jr., who's coming on. There's Léo Duarte, Lincoln, and Klebinho, who just got promoted. I'm very happy for all of them, and for myself too. It's a way for us to show that we can be counted on in the squad, that we can find our place," he said. "Today we're all professionals and we're here to help. Flamengo can count on us. We'll always strive to respond to the opportunities the coach gives us," Paquetá concluded.

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