Flamengo drew 1-1 against Atlético-MG on Wednesday afternoon (13) in the opening match of the Brazilian Championship. After the match, defender Rafael Vaz spoke to the press in the mixed zone of the Maracanã. The defender denied the opponent two chances with providential cuts in front of goal, including one on the line. "I knew their attack is very fast and I tried to defend the goal, being fortunate to be in the right place at the right time," he said.

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"It's my job and I have to keep my feet on the ground. I managed to help my team come away with a point and I'm very happy, but on Wednesday we have another big match and we need to qualify. I hope I'm doing well and that we can come out on top," the defender added.

"We know these two teams could be fighting for the title in the end, and we know Atlético's quality. Flamengo held on very well. The Brazilian Championship is a long championship, and we need to score points, whether at home or away, because it can make all the difference," he concluded.

Flamengo returns to the field against San Lorenzo on Wednesday (17), at 21:45 pm, at the Nuevo Gasómetro stadium, in Argentina, for the Conmebol Libertadores Brigestone.