Rodrigo Caio laments Flamengo's last-gasp defeat to lowly Fortaleza | OneFootball

Rodrigo Caio has insisted complacency was not to blame for Flamengo’s 2-1 loss to basement side Fortaleza on Sunday.

The Rubro-Negro went behind to Robson’s shock opener just after the half-hour mark at the Maracanã, but the hosts drew level in first-half stoppage time through Éverton Ribeiro.

Pedro hit the post with a penalty shortly after the break, and Fla paid a heavy price for that miss when they conceded just before the final whistle.

Flamengo goalkeeper Hugo Souza did well to repel an effort by Moisés, but the stopper will take justifiable criticism for failing to keep out the winner from Hércules on the follow up.

“We knew how difficult the game was. Their placement doesn’t match the strength they have, a physical team,” centre-back Caio said afterwards.

“They were happy on the last move of the game. I think we were better in the second half.”

The defeat came at a particularly inopportune time for the Mengão, as they were just gaining some momentum after two successive league wins.

“We were on a very good streak. It gets in the way a lot,” Caio said.

“We wanted to stick with the leaders. But now it’s time to keep working to get a win against Bragantino.”

Flamengo, who now lie in tenth place, travel to face RB Bragantino on Wednesday.

It remains to be seen if manager Paulo Sousa will still in charge by then, with this latest setback leading to further calls for his dismissal.