‘A draw’s not bad’: Emerson Royal on Flamengo’s point vs Ceará | OneFootball

Emerson Royal Was a Starter for the First Time at Flamengo

Flamengo remains the leader of the Brasileirão, but part of the Nation is disappointed with the 1-1 draw against Ceará and the below-average performance. However, Emerson Royal saw something positive in the result of the 18th round and celebrated the point earned at Arena Castelão, in Fortaleza. The full-back was a starter for the first time with the Sacred Mantle.

— I played a good match. Obviously, I am far from what I intend, from what I can deliver. I've been away from the pitch for a long time, but that's it. I need to adapt as soon as possible. As for their team, we knew their approach. Defensively, they play well. The forward followed me all the time. Their defensive performance is very good. And the typical play they use with the center forward, always going for the flick and the set piece. We knew we couldn't make mistakes in this aspect. But that's it. We know it was a game that wasn't easy, but the draw isn't that bad either. We will now continue in the championship to achieve victories — said Emerson Royal, before talking about his own physical condition.

— I felt a bit tired, especially at the end of the game. As I said, it had been a long time since I started playing. But that's it, I have to adapt as soon as possible. Flamengo hired me for this, to be there in the important moments of the team. I will do everything I can on and off the field to be in the best physical shape as soon as possible to help Flamengo — added the full-back, before concluding.

HOW WAS THE GAME?

Flamengo started by pressing Ceará and suffocating with high pressure, but couldn't find spaces. A gap was found at the 36th minute when Léo Ortiz made a beautiful pass to Plata, who passed to Arrascaeta to open the scoring. However, in the second half, the home team controlled the game and sought the equalizer with Pedro Raul.

For the first time as a starter, Emerson Royal felt the physical aspect, especially in the second half, when he was substituted by Varela. The former Milan (ITA) player played 84 minutes, completed 77% of his passes, and had 46 actions with the ball against Ceará. Additionally, he committed two fouls and lost possession 12 times.

WHEN IS FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

With Emerson Royal available, Flamengo returns to the field on Wednesday (06), against Atlético-MG, for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The match will take place at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte, starting at 7 PM (Brasília time).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.