Flamengo wasted a great opportunity to secure their qualification here," said the Brazilian coach at a press conference, at the Arena do Gremio in Porto Alegre.

And he warned for the second leg: "Gremio will not play as bad at the Maracanã. We are still alive in the competition," he asserted.

He also admitted that during the first half they were "far below" what was expected and that Flamengo was superior: "That is not our way of playing, especially because we are without four important players in the team, without this serving as an excuse."

In his opinion, the 1-1 "was good" considering how a match unfolded in which VAR annulled three goals for the Rio de Janeiro team.

However, Gaúcho recalled that the tie has not yet ended ("There are 90 minutes left to play"), although he emphasized that Flamengo is "the favorite" and "has a great team."

About playing the qualification for the grand final of the Libertadores at the mythical Maracanã, Renato Gaúcho said that Gremio "likes to play" at the carioca stadium.

"I am not worried about the Maracanã," he stated.

The second leg will be played on October 23. Flamengo only needs a goalless draw to secure their place in the final of the tournament.