Felipe Melo took off his hat for Cristal's game: "Beating a team like that is not easy."

Copa Libertadores 2023: Group D Matchday 2

Tuesday, April 18

• Fluminense vs The Strongest - 17:00 Peruvian time

Wednesday, April 19

• River Plate vs Sporting Cristal - 19:00 Peruvian time

More information at Libero.pe.

Sporting Cristal lost to Fluminense in their debut in the group stage of the 2023 Copa Libertadores, but they have left a good impression for the rest of the tournament. This is what the Brazilian players themselves expressed, who view Tiago Nunes' performance in the team favorably.

SEE ALSO: Argentine press reacts to Cristal's defeat in the Libertadores: "Favorable for River"

One of those who spoke on behalf of Fluminense was Felipe Melo, who started as a starter in the Sporting Cristal vs Fluminense match and also received a yellow card in the final minutes of the first half.

The Brazilian midfielder highlighted Sporting Cristal's performance throughout the 90 minutes. He knows that Tiago Nunes knows Brazilian football very well, so it was clear that winning in Lima was not going to be easy.

"A good rival. We are very happy because we played against a great rival. A very beautiful crowd and with a coach who understands Brazilian football. It was very difficult," Felipe Melo said to "Entre Bolas".

Furthermore, he feels that Sporting Cristal has a chance to advance to the round of 16 in the Copa Libertadores. He highlighted certain virtues of the Celeste squad and greatly values having defeated a tough team like the 'Brewers'.

"Of course. They have a good team. We, regardless of what happened with the first goal from a free kick, they are a good team. Fast, strong in defense. That's why we are all very happy, very, very happy because winning against a team like that is not easy," he added.

Felipe Melo highlighted how good of a team Sporting Cristal is (VIDEO: Entre Bolas)