Shortly after lifting the Recopa Sudamericana in front of their fans, Fluminense will have another challenge: to take down Flamengo in the Campeonato Carioca semifinals to pursue their third consecutive state championship.
Jhon Arias spoke with Globo Esporte ahead of Saturday’s first-leg match, where the Tricolor will try to take the lead in the series to keep the dream of the three straight titles alive.
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“We are approaching the confrontation with Flamengo with the importance and responsibility that we always assume in decisive matches. We know they are two difficult games, of great importance for us. We are completely focused and united to arrive in the best possible form. We are aware that it is crucial for the continuity of the season. We arrive with the ambition to achieve the three-peat,” said the Colombian.
JHON ADOLFO ARIAS ANDRADE. APENAS. pic.twitter.com/eLeShWOFKi
— Fluminense F.C. (@FluminenseFC) March 1, 2024
“Flamengo are a very qualified team, with a highly qualified coach and one of the best squads in America. We face them in the semifinal, but it is still a decisive game. We are aware that we need to win and get a victory in a derby,” he added.
Flu’s bad streak in derbies
The semifinal against the lifelong rivals from Rio de Janeiro could be Flu’s opportunity to celebrate in a derby again. It’s already 11 derbies in a row without a win for Fernando Diniz’s side, who come from a 4-2 defeat against Botafogo in the Campeonato Carioca.
Regarding this streak, Arias said: “I don’t think there is a different recipe. We are working hard. I think the foundation here is hard work. It hasn’t been different, it won’t be different. Unfortunately, due to moments in the game, individual errors, collective errors, we lost the classics. We are aware. Fluminense are not a team to be without winning a derby for so long. We have a perfect opportunity to win again and qualify for the final.”
