David Luiz not giving up after Flamengo fail to close gap on Palmeiras | OneFootball

David Luiz is refusing to write off Flamengo’s Brasileirão title chances despite Sunday’s 1-1 draw at leaders Palmeiras.

The Rubro-Negro desperately needed victory in order to cut the nine-point gap between themselves and the Verdão, and they looked like they might do so when Victor Hugo gave them a first-half lead.

But Raphael Veiga equalised with 35 minutes to go to keep the hosts in control at the top of the table.

Defender Luiz was one of the few first-choice players selected by Flamengo manager Dorival Júnior, as he chose to rotate heavily due to the Mengão’s hectic current schedule.

“We came here with the intention of getting the three points, of closing this gap. Unfortunately, we couldn’t,” veteran centre-back Luiz told Premiere.

“You also have to have this recognition for the Palmeiras team, the work they’ve been doing for years.

“It’s never easy to play here. We had the opportunity to win too. It was an open game. Now it’s time to continue that nothing is defined.”

Flamengo’s attention will now turn to Wednesday’s Copa do Brasil semi-final first leg against São Paulo.