Thiago Maia of Internacional calls facing Flamengo 'strange', here's why | OneFootball

Thiago Maia played in Flamengo x Internacional match at Maracanã

Flamengo and Internacional played the first of three consecutive matches they will have this season, for Libertadores and Brasileirão. After Flamengo's 1-0 victory at Maracanã, midfielder Thiago Maia found this sequence of matches between the teams strange. Despite this situation, the player is betting on home duels to overcome Rubro-Negro.

"— It's quite strange to face the same team three times in a row. But, this could also end up helping because we can study the opponent a little more. Now, we still have two more home games. This will end up favoring us and, God willing, we will come out with the qualification next Wednesday (20) -, said Thiago Maia in an interview in the mixed zone of Maracanã.

HAS THIAGO MAIA PLAYED FOR FLAMENGO BEFORE?

Thiago Maia played for Flamengo before he transferred to Internacional. This transaction, in fact, continues to be a topic of discussion behind the scenes, as the Gaucho team has not paid a single installment to Rubro-Negro for the purchase of the midfielder.

WHAT IS THE SEQUENCE OF MATCHES BETWEEN FLAMENGO AND INTERNACIONAL?

As Thiago Maia mentioned, Flamengo and Internacional are facing each other in three consecutive matches. The first took place on Wednesday (13), when Rubro-Negro came out on top, 1-0, in the first leg of the Libertadores round of 16.

The second match takes place on Sunday (17), however, for the Brasileirão. On this occasion, the teams will face each other for the 20th round, at 6:30 PM (Brasília time), at Beira Rio Stadium. Finally, next Wednesday (20), the teams will take the field for the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16. The decision is scheduled to take place at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), also in Porto Alegre.

DOES FLAMENGO HAVE AN ADVANTAGE IN THE MATCH AGAINST INTERNACIONAL IN THE LIBERTADORES?

Yes! With a 1-0 score, Flamengo will go into the second leg being able to draw any result and still advance to the quarterfinals of the Libertadores. However, if the first leg result is repeated in favor of Internacional, the dispute will be decided on penalties. Whoever advances will face Cerro Porteño (PAR) or Estudiantes (ARG) in the next stage of the continental tournament.

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