After six years, Cruz-Maltino returns to play with a draw lead in the ‘Millions Classic’
Vasco faces Flamengo, this Monday, at the Maracanã, for the first match of the semi-final of the carioca championship. With the advantage of the draw, Cruz-Maltino plays with the regulation under his arm and seeks consolidation in this moment of reconstruction. The last time such an event occurred was in the semifinals of the 2017 Rio Cup. That is, six years ago.
Maurício Barbieri’s side can draw against Vítor Pereira’s side in the two classics to progress. And he counts Flamengo’s bad phase as an ally. This is due to the fact that the biggest rival was knocked out at the start of the FIFA Club World Cup and lost two finals in a row. Also, Rubro-Negro lost two classics in a row. One against Vasco and another against Fluminense.
Despite this, coach Maurício Barbieri does not consider Vasco a favourite. According to the coach, the opponent is ahead of Cruz-Maltino due to a number of factors. Among these, Flamengo is a team used to making decisions.
– I think that speaking of team and squad, the opponent is ahead of us. It’s a team more used to decisions than us. As a team. We have players who are used to deciding, but they have a more mature squad in this sense. It’s a challenge and a gap that we have to work on mentally – underlined Barbieri. And he said that, today, Flamengo respects Vasco more:
– Today I’m sure they respect us much more than at the beginning of the season.
Still in the testing phase, this is the ideal opportunity for Vasco to consolidate more and more. Even, with a team under reconstruction, prove that they can be the favorite against the other rivals. Which Barbieri still does not consider.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
