🇧🇷 Rogério Ceni praises Flamengo's efforts in win over Palmeiras | OneFootball

Rogério Ceni welcomed Flamengo’s “ideal” start to the Brasileirão campaign after their victory over Palmeiras at the Maracanã on Sunday.

A goal from Pedro 15 minutes from time proved the difference in a battle between the defending league and Copa Libertadores champions.

“Winning without conceding goals is ideal,” Rubro-Negro manager Ceni said afterwards.

“Winning with a margin of goals is also ideal, and we tried. Mainly after the goal, exploiting speed, leaving Michael on one side and Bruno Henrique on the other.”

Flamengo were forced to play without Gabriel Barbosa after illness ruled him out.

But Ceni was pleased by how his side coped in the star striker’s absence.

“We lose a little speed. He is a player who holds the ball well.

“Today, we play with more centralised [Giorgian De] Arrascaeta. There are three great players (Henrique, Pedro and Gabigol).

“But today Pedro, in addition to the goal, did a great job, holding the ball well.”

Flamengo will continue the defence of their domestic title with a trip to Grêmio next Sunday.