The debut that almost made Lino a Flamengo hero | OneFootball

Samuel Lino’s Flamengo debut delivered flashes of promise but also a dose of frustration, as the new signing saw a potential stoppage-time equalizer ruled out for offside in the 1-0 Copa do Brasil defeat to Atlético Mineiro, according to Globo and Lance.

Brought on in the second half at Maracanã with Flamengo chasing an Atlético lead—Cuello’s goal punishing a rare error in the home side’s build-up—Lino injected energy and directness on the left flank. In the dying moments, he thought he had capped his maiden appearance with a dramatic leveller, only for the assistant’s flag to intervene. “It’s a shame. It could have been a debut with a goal and a draw to avoid the loss. But today it wasn’t possible. For the next one, who knows? I’ll keep working for that,” the forward reflected after the final whistle.

The match was the culmination of a whirlwind week for Lino, who arrived in Rio de Janeiro earlier in the window. Having completed his medical and signed on Tuesday, he managed only a single training session with the squad before being named on the bench. Manager Filipe Luís, however, was confident the 24-year-old was physically ready, singling him out among the trio of new faces to be fastest up to speed thanks to recent minutes at his previous club. “We know Samuel’s quality, and he’s the type of player we wanted for that role. He can be decisive, especially in the box,” Filipe Luís said in his post-match debrief.

Lino himself admitted the opening minutes were challenging as he adapted: “At first it was a bit confusing, everything is so new—the league here, playing in Brazil professionally for the first time. But as the game went on I adjusted, and I feel fit.”

Despite the defeat, Lino’s influence was noted—most of Flamengo’s attacking threat arrived after the reinforcements entered. Yet the inability to break down Atlético left Flamengo with an uphill task for the return leg at Arena MRV, where they will need a two-goal win to secure progression or take the tie to penalties with a one-goal margin.

Filipe Luís also addressed the decision to rest key midfielders Arrascaeta and Jorginho, focusing on their physical management amid a congested fixture run. He reaffirmed that their absence was a strategic choice rather than enforced. The tactical reshuffle also saw Luiz Araújo start out of his usual position, a move the manager explained was designed to maximize other players’ strengths despite a reduction in individual impact.

For Lino, the mission now is clear—build on an eventful debut and turn excitement into tangible contributions as Flamengo continue to integrate their new arrivals in a critical phase of the season.

(Sources: Globo, Lance)