Flamengo Conquers Tense Victory After Second-Half Scare
Flamengo exploded onto the pitch in the first half, thrilling fans with a dominant 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Léo Ortiz and a brace from Michael. Hopes of a historic rout were dashed, however, as Internacional fought back in the second half, ultimately closing the gap to 3-2.
Despite the nail-biting finish, defender Léo Ortiz remained positive, acknowledging the team’s initial burst of energy while attributing the second-half struggles to the physical demands of a long and grueling season.
“We knew it would be a close game,” Ortiz said. “We started very well, at a very high pace. It’s difficult to maintain that pace throughout the entire game. We tried. We started the second half well, creating some opportunities, but we lost our way a bit there, and they found a goal.”
Ortiz further elaborated, stating, “Inter started to get into the game, they were 3-2 down, but in the end we managed to sustain things well, creating more chances at the end. The team felt a little tired at the end of the season, due to the pace we set in the first half, but the important thing is the victory here at home. Now there are two more games to finish with a flourish.”
While Flamengo controlled the early stages of the match, Internacional’s resurgence in the second half forced manager Filipe Luís to reconsider his tactics.
Despite sensing the need for fresh legs, Luís remained conservative with his substitutions, waiting until nearly the 30-minute mark before bringing on Alcaraz for De La Cruz. As the final whistle neared, Fabrício Bruno, Gabigol, and Varela replaced Léo Pereira, Bruno Henrique, and Plata, injecting bursts of energy into the waning Flamengo attack.
Even with these substitutions, Internacional nearly snatched a draw, narrowly missing multiple scoring opportunities from close range.
What Lies Ahead for Flamengo
The upcoming fixtures offer little time for rest as Flamengo prepare to face Criciúma next Wednesday (04) in Santa Catarina. This penultimate round clash in the Brasileirão pits the high-flying Flamengo against a Criciúma team battling to avoid relegation. Kickoff is set for 8pm Brasília time at the Heriberto Hulse Stadium.
Flamengo will be aiming to close the season with two strong performances, further solidifying their place in the league standings while ensuring their teammate quickly recovers from a challenging injury.
Q: How did Flamengo manage to secure the victory against Internacional despite facing challenges in the second half?
## Interview with Flamengo Defender, Léo Ortiz
**[News Anchor]** Léo, congratulations on a hard fought victory against Internacional. The first half belonged to Flamengo, but the second half was a bit scary for *Rubro-negro* fans. Can you walk us through what happened?
**[Léo Ortiz]** Thanks. We knew it wouldn’t be easy against Internacional. They’re a tough opponent. We started the game with a lot of energy and managed to get a good lead. But, as the game went on, we started to feel the fatigue of a long season. It’s difficult to maintain that high intensity for the entire 90 minutes.
**[News Anchor]** Internaciona was definitely able to capitalize on that fatigue. Did you ever feel the game slipping away?
**[Léo Ortiz]** To be honest, there were a few moments when we were concerned. Internacional is a dangerous team, and they have some very talented players. But, we held on and were able to secure the win. We showed great character and determination.
**[News Anchor]**
Looking ahead, how will you prepare for the remaining matches of the season considering this taxing schedule?
**[Léo Ortiz]** Recovery is key. We need to focus on rest, nutrition and proper training to make sure we have enough energy for the remaining games. Every point is important at this stage of the season. We are determined to finish as strongly as possible.
**[News Anchor]** Thanks for your time, Léo. We’ll be cheering for you and the rest of Flamengo in the upcoming matches.
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