Zubeldía remains optimistic after defeat and sees semi-finals ‘open’ for Fluminense

Even after the 2-1 defeat against Vasco, in the first match of the semi-final of the Brazilian Cup, Luis Zubeldía adopted a tone of confidence in the press conference. The coach described the classic as “balanced” and stressed that the classification will be defined on Sunday, still at the Maracanã.

Zubeldía acknowledged the weight of the goal conceded early in the second half, but stressed that Fluminense had already shown strength in recent comebacks, such as against Bahia, and were capable of repeating the scenario. The commander also praised the repeated play that resulted in the tricolor goal, citing the work of assistant Carlos Gruezo on the dead ball.

The coach designed adjustments for the decisive duel, especially in the transitions and in the direct confrontation with Rayan, the highlight of Vasco in the last classics. He nevertheless stressed that nothing was defined: “It’s been 180 minutes. Today we lost, but we have everything to reverse the series”, explained Zubeldía.

Watch Zubeldía’s full press conference