Willian Arão hails 'dominant' Flamengo for reaching Carioca final | OneFootball

Matchwinner Willian Arão claimed that Flamengo were deserving winners after their Campeonato Carioca semi-final success over Vasco da Gama on Sunday.

The Rubro-Negro held a 1-0 lead from the first leg against their Clássico dos Milhões rivals, and Arão’s 54th-minute strike from close range at the Maracanã ensured their progression to the final.

“Two difficult games, but we dominated most of the confrontation,” the veteran midfielder told Fla TV.

“Almost impossible to master 180 minutes. The Flamengo crowd dominated the 180 minutes. We did what we planned. We scored the goals, won the games and qualified.”

Asked about the other semi-final between Fluminense and Botafogo, Arão insisted he would be more concerned with Flamengo’s preparation for the decider than who the opponent will be.

“I’m not used to watching the other games. We did our part, let them fight among themselves,” he said.

“When it has been defined, then we will assemble the best strategy. wW have time for that, to then play and win this fourth championship.”

Flamengo have won the competition for three consecutive years, and are looking to achieve a four-in-a-row for the first time in their illustrious history.