With televisions tuned in across Brazil to watch Flamengo's first leg match in the qualifying round of the 2012 Libertadores Cup, fans were widely disappointed with a 2-1 loss to Bolivia's Real Potosi on Wednesday.

During much of Flamengo's pre-season, fans were critical of the administration's lack of new signings. The club's financial problems leaked onto the playing field while head coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo had a falling out with star midfielder Ronaldinho Gaucho.

The club's situation became even worse, with the bothering Libertadores loss to an "inferior" Real Potosi.

"It seems like they've never played together. There is no rhythm. Flamengo has Brazil's largest fans base. If the fans are not happy, neither should be the club's board. We've complained for nearly a month about the lack of new talent brought in for the new season. If the team cannot make it through the qualifying round of the Libertadores Cup, it is going to be a long year," described a disgruntled Flamengo fan named Fabiano Silva.

Fans of Flamengo guaranteed that they will fill the stadium in the return leg against Real Potosi, scheduled for February 1 in Rio de Janeiro, in order to cheer their team to victory.

In order to advance into the group phase of the competition, Flamengo need a shut-out win or will need to win by a two-goal margin. A draw favors the Bolivians. A repeat of Wednesday's score will take the decision into penalty kicks.

Earlier on Wednesday, Flamengo announced the successful end of negotiations with Russia's CSKA, marking striker Vagner Love's return to the club. The player will most likely not play in the return leg of the preliminary round, but the news has given Flamengo fans something to cheer about while sulking in a humiliating defeat.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)