Gabriel Barbosa would gladly 'trade' Flamengo goals for Libertadores title | OneFootball

Gabriel Barbosa has insisted that individual awards pale in comparison to team silverware in the wake of Flamengo’s Copa Libertadores final defeat to Palmeiras.

Gabigol equalised for the Rubro-Negro in the 72nd minute of Saturday’s game in Montevideo, but Deyverson struck in extra time to see the Palestra emerge victorious in the battle between Brazilian giants.

The goal brought Barbosa’s tally to 11 for this year’s competition, to add to his four assists.

But the top scorer was in no mood to celebrate after the crushing result.

“Happy to be top scorer once again and to win better in the championship, but if we were champions, it would be much better,” the 25-year-old striker said, per O Dia.

“Of course it’s amazing to compete in a competition like this, with great players, great teams and to be the best, but I would trade it all for [the] championship title.”

To make matters worse, the Mengão’s Brasileirão title hopes were effectively dashed when leaders Atlético Mineiro overcame Fluminense 2-1 on Sunday.

That puts Atlético 11 points clear with just three games to play. Flamengo can muster a maximum of 12 points from their final four fixtures.