Flamengo goes to the limit against PSG, but does not do enough to put the icing on the cake of a historic season

The storyline which featured goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Jorginho ended with an unlikely hero at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Doha, Qatar. Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, a reserve in Luis Enrique’s team, shone by capturing shots from four red and black players: Saúl, Pedro, Léo Pereira and Luiz Araújo. For those who once again came so close to a second world championship, there was frustration.

Flamengo’s season was impeccable, with four titles, including the ninth Brasileirão championship and the fourth Libertadores championship, which allowed the team to challenge the current European champion. Given this history and the good matches against Cruz Azul and Pyramids, there was greater confidence in the chance to break the barrier that had existed since 2012, when Corinthians beat Chelsea. In the end, it tasted bittersweet.

On the pitch, PSG’s predictable superiority was evident from the ball, but Flamengo managed to rise to the occasion. In a thrilling performance, he managed to overcome a disadvantage created in an error-ridden first half, as had happened against Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup, and overcame himself physically in the main team’s 74th match of the season to prevent the French team from winning with the ball.

There was no shortage of legs, except in the second half of extra time, where the players were already exhausted. The defeat on penalties seems to be more a question of concentration or preparation than physical aspects. Of the four losers, only Léo Pereira started as a starter. Of course, it is also appropriate to pay tribute to PSG, a leading team in world football that continues the exploits of a historic year.

Flamengo faced Liverpool in the 2019 Club World Cup and were even further away from the title on that occasion, although the team brings back better memories for supporters. This time, the defeat came in overtime. This time, the reds and blacks only hit the post at the last moment.

— We did our best in this match against one of the best teams in the world. It was a very difficult match for us. We have no complaints, everyone did their best. We pursued this dream, but it didn’t work — said Arrascaeta.

Draw and balance in Doha

Flamengo knew that the key to dreaming of beating the European champion was zero mistakes, but this premise is very difficult to maintain. In less than ten minutes, Fabián Ruiz scored a goal in a move of total confusion in the defensive system, including a poorly executed takedown and a rushed exit from Rossi, but the move was canceled because the ball went beyond the baseline.

This helped wake up Flamengo and establish some balance on the pitch, but PSG hardly missed any passes and made almost choreographed moves. This is how he transformed an unpretentious play started on the left and quickly transformed into a goal to explore the back of Alex Sandro, who was not covered by Carrascal. Doué crossed alone and Rossi contributed, cushioning Kvaratskhelia to open the scoring.

The second half had the same configuration until the 10th minute, when Filipe Luís launched Pedro. The striker played well for a short period, but allowed the team to have more control of the ball in attack. Shortly after, Arrascaeta entered the area and was brought down by Marquinhos. The Brazilian defender did not have a good evening in Doha and saw Jorginho convert another penalty in impeccable fashion.

After the tie, the game reversed. Flamengo grew and had at least three good finishes, with Plata, Bruno Henrique and Pedro. PSG responded with Nuno Mendes and João Neves. On the last play of regulation time, Marquinhos received a ball alone in the small area, but shot with his shin.

Having to play an extra 30 minutes against an opponent of this size is a daunting task, but Flamengo accomplished it. For much of extra time, PSG were in control of the game and came close to threatening Rossi’s goal, but they were always held back by the defense, particularly by incoming players like De la Cruz.