Headline: Matheus Pereira Reflects on Performance After Cruzeiro’s Defeat to Flamengo in Libertadores
Matheus Pereira was among the key players for Cruzeiro as they faced Flamengo in the crucial second leg of the Libertadores round of 16. However, the midfielder was unable to make the impact expected, and Cruzeiro’s journey in the tournament ended without knocking out their rivals.
Pereira’s performance fell short of expectations, highlighting his struggles in knockout matches, where he has recorded poor statistics. Despite taking 26 shots on goal across 25 games, he has managed just two assists without scoring. These figures were recently reported by Sofascore.
Following the match at the Maracanã, he expressed his frustration, saying, “I’ve been demanding a lot from myself in decisive matches. I know I can give a little more. I know how much responsibility that carries. Unfortunately, it’s been difficult in recent years. But everything in life is a process. I need to trust that and believe.”
Pereira added, “My own life story speaks to that, to keep fighting and persisting. Believe in the project.” He also emphasized that he does not feel suffocated by the expectations to perform, stating, “It leaves a somewhat frustrating feeling. I know I can do more. I have to demand that of myself. Not just me, but the whole squad. I’m not going to say I feel burdened; I’d say it’s a privilege to play for this club, as a fan as well.”
With their defeat behind them, Cruzeiro is now setting their sights on upcoming competitions, specifically the Copa do Brasil and the Brasileirão. Their next challenge will see them face Flamengo once again, this time in the league, with the match scheduled for Saturday, the 22nd, at Mineirão for the 24th round of the competition.
Matheus Pereira was one of the Blue fans’ hopes for the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16.
But the No. 10 couldn’t make the difference. And Cruzeiro failed to knock out Flamengo.
The performance, lacking the expected spark, reinforced the midfielder’s poor numbers in knockout matches.
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Despite 26 shots on target in 25 matches, he has only two assists. And no goals. Figures published by Sofascore.
“I’ve been demanding a lot from myself in decisive matches. I know I can give a little more. I know how much responsibility that carries. Unfortunately, it’s been difficult in recent years. But everything in life is a process. I need to trust that and believe,” he said after the match at the Maracanã.
“My own life story speaks to that, to keep fighting and persisting. Believe in the project.” he added.
Matheus Pereira ended by denying there is a “weight on his shoulders” to be the difference-maker in knockout ties:
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“It leaves a somewhat frustrating feeling. I know I can do more. I have to demand that of myself. Not just me, but the whole squad. I’m not going to say I feel burdened; I’d say it’s a privilege to play for this club, as a fan as well.”
Raposa now turns its focus to the Copa do Brasil and the Brasileirão.
The next challenge will once again be against Flamengo, but in the league.
They will face Rio’s Rubro-Negro on Saturday (22).
The match will be at Mineirão and is valid for the 24th round of the competition.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
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