Flamengo-Universidad De Chile: Flamengo Falls at Home in the Copa Libertadores

Universidad de Chile came to play Flamengo at Maracanã in the Quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. The two teams met in the group stage, and the Chileans won at home (2-1) and got a tie at Rio de Janeiro (2-2). La U de Chile managed to grab a 3-2 win this time and goes back home with the advantage.

More than 70 thousand Flamengo supporters went to Maracanã stadium tonight expecting the team to play the same beautiful football that led them to the sixth Brazilian League title last year. The reality is that this Flamengo that we've been seeing at the Libertadores is not the same team that won the 2009 Brazilian League. Adriano scored a goal tonight, but he proved Dunga right for not calling him up to the World Cup by playing like a marble statue up front.

Vagner Love was also played below his ability. The former CSKA striker couldn't find a break in the Chilean defense. But the man who really disappointed was the goalkeeper Bruno. He's known to be a consistent, strong and a vocal leader, but tonight he was responsible for two of the goals allowed by the Brazilians.

Universidad de Chile played with intelligence and deserved the 3-2 win. This match could have ended 3-1 if it wasn't for Flamengo's left back, Juan, taking the risk on a long range shot at the 87th minute and counting on a deflection to put the ball in the back of the net to chop the difference to one goal.

I have a friend who normally says “Flamengo is Flamengo”. Well, I'd have to agree with that but it would be easier to believe in that motto if the 3-2 loss had happened on the road but to revert this adverse score in Santiago, Chile will be very improbable. Not impossible but very improbable.

Summary

Libertadores of America Cup – Quarter Finals

Flamengo 2 – 3 Universidad de Chile

Goals: 4' Victorino (U de Chile), 24' Olara (U de Chile), 38' Adriano (Flamengo), 47' Fernandez (U de Chile), 87' Juan (Flamengo)