Cuca celebrates Athletico’s overall leadership and cites “joy” with the goal conceded: “The boys deserved it” | athletico-pr

Coach Cuca approved Athletico’s performance on Wednesday night, against Rayo Zuliano, in the Sudamericana. Furacão won 5-1 and continues with 100% success in the tournament. Cuca celebrated the first overall position, spoke about the importance of preserving part of the squad and, curiously, revealed his joy at the goal conceded — it was the first in the history of the Venezuelan team in international competitions.

Rayo Zuliano 1 x 5 Athletico: watch the goals and best moments

In the aggregate of the two games, counting tonight’s match in Caracas and the duel in Curitiba in April, Athletico beat their rival 11-1. Despite the rout, the goal scored by Ochoa was celebrated by the Maracaibo team.

— It’s a more limited team, but they run a lot, they have the desire. They scored their first goal in the championship and on the one hand we are happy, because the boys deserved it, because of their desire, they played fair, they lost a lot of goals in the other games. For us it makes no difference, but for them it has a special meaning — said the coach.

Great victory. We also maintain the first position overall, which could be important up front,” he added.

For this Wednesday’s game, Cuca chose to preserve part of the starters. Names like Erick, Pablo and Fernandinho, for example, did not board with the delegation.

— We had some casualties. Kaique exhausted, Gamarra in pain. Canobbio and Thiago Heleno injured. There is no point in being tired and running the risk of injury. I think everything we planned worked out, we didn’t lose anyone, we gave opportunities to some and they took advantage — he said.

Athletico returns to the field on Sunday, for the Brazilian Championship. Furacão takes on Palmeiras, at Arena Barueri, at 4pm (Brasília time).