It wasn't Flamengo's best technical performance in the Brasileirão, but with sheer determination and grit, after conceding a draw, they managed to recover and beat Ponte Preta. They also had the star power of Fernandinho, who came off the bench once again to score the winning goal in the 44th minute of the second half. Coach Zé Ricardo praised his players' dedication and celebrated the result, which kept Mengão firmly in the fight for first place.

"Ponte is a very tough opponent, without a doubt this was the game we had the most difficulty with out of the six we played in Cariacica. Therefore, it was a huge victory for a team that wants to go far in the competition," he declared.

The team is three points behind the leader, Palmeiras, who they face on the 14th. Before that, Mais Querido faces Vitória at Barradão.

Check out the main excerpts from the press conference:

In the first half, Ponte Preta was superior at times. After that, we balanced things out, and with the substitutions, we managed to apply pressure and control the match, pushing for a goal until the end. The important thing today was that commitment; the victory belongs to them (the players). But it wasn't a match at the level we're playing. 

Ponte gave us a hard time, which was to their credit. We neutralized their play early on, but then we gave up space. They organized themselves well, with great pace on the wings, two midfielders up front, and João Vitor distributed the play well. Their defenses worked well, only after we closed the gap a bit. A football match is a strategic battle. After the equalizer, we stepped up the pressure, and the players gave their all. The goal was a reward, but a draw would have been a fairer result. Ponte is a very tough opponent; this was undoubtedly the game we struggled the most in of the six we played in Cariacica. Therefore, it was a huge victory, for a team that wants to go far in the competition. Ponte deserves congratulations; they'll have a strong competition. Whoever plays against Ponte will have problems. 

The goal was a result of several factors. Honestly, I'm not concerned about who scores the goal, but rather the collective performance. Today we performed less well, but we gave a lot of ourselves. They were fantastic, showing their mental strength. Fernandinho scored the goal. He works hard, as do Marcelo Cirino, Gabriel, Éverton, Adryan, and Thiago Santos, who perform the same role.

After the equalizer, their counterattack could have been dangerous, but it had to change. Éverton was tired, and they could have brought on Alan, who plays as a midfielder, but they wanted to attack more from the flank. That's why I brought on Fernandinho. And thankfully, it worked. Not only did he score, but he also managed to put Ponte Preta in trouble and keep the team in the attacking half.