(photo: Pedro Souza/Atlético)
Gustavo Scarpa’s first free-kick goal at Atlético was in style. This Saturday (27/4), the midfielder took a free kick from under the wall and helped the team beat Cuiabá 3-0 at Arena Pantanal, in the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship.
In the move – which was reminiscent of a goal by Ronaldinho Gaúcho in 2011, Galo’s number 6 threatened before the finish to see the posture of the opponent’s athletes. In an interview with Premiereshortly after the end of the match, the player revealed how he planned the charge.
“I’ve faced Walter (Cuiabá’s goalkeeper) a few times. He placed a very high barrier and no player remained crouched. I threatened the first one just to see if they would jump, and I saw Derik jumping. I thought he would be able to pass the ball underneath and it worked. I was very happy because I always wanted to score a goal like that.”
Gustavo Scarpa, Atlético midfielder
Scarpa analyzes Cuiabá x Atlético
Scarpa was one of Atlético’s best players against Cuiabá, even though he played in a different role than usual. With Guilherme Arana rested, the midfielder left the right sector of the field and played practically as a left-back.
The midfielder celebrated the team’s good form and intensity in the second half, as the drop in performance in the final 45 minutes had been worrying the coaching staff and players in recent matches.
“In relation to the game, we have merit for maintaining the intensity in the second half, but I think Cuiabá’s style of play favored this. Despite the defeat during the match, they didn’t increase their score, and that made it easier. The important thing is the team’s victory in this very stuffy environment”, he added.
Scarpa reached six goals in 18 games for Atlético. He also has two assists this season.
Galo, in turn, remains undefeated in the Brazilian Championship and has nine points. The team’s next match will be against Sport, on Tuesday, at 9:30 pm, at Arena MRV, in the third phase of the Copa do Brasil.
