It was meant to be a fairy-tale homecoming for Lucas Paqueta as he returned to Flamengo, the club where he began his professional journey.
But instead of lifting spirits, his debut ended in heartbreak as the Brazilian side fell short in the Brazilian Super Cup final on Sunday night.
Missed Chance in the Final Moments
Paqueta, 28, joined Flamengo from West Ham United in a £36 million transfer just days earlier, leaving England amid tense circumstances after signaling his desire to move in the January transfer window.
He entered the game as a substitute against Corinthians, giving fans hope for a dramatic late equaliser.
Unfortunately, a golden opportunity slipped through his fingers in stoppage time.
From close range, Paqueta blasted the ball over the bar, leaving supporters and Flamengo manager Filipe Luis, the former Chelsea star, visibly stunned on the sidelines.
Corinthians eventually secured a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Gabriel Paulista and Yuri Alberto.
Paqueta Acknowledges His Responsibility
After the match, Paqueta opened up about the disappointment.
“I’m very sad. First, because of the chance I could have had to put Flamengo back in contention, and I ended up failing. Honestly, I can’t miss a goal like that,” he admitted.
He added that this is just the beginning of his second stint at Flamengo and promised to work hard to regain top form.
“There’s still a final this month, and I intend to help Flamengo win that title,” he said, referring to the CONMEBOL Recopa clash against Argentina’s Lanus, which will be decided over two legs.
A Tough Game Made Harder
Flamengo’s challenge was intensified when Jorge Carrascal received a red card at halftime for an elbow on Breno Bidon.
Despite playing with ten men, Paqueta praised the team’s effort.
“I think the team played a great game, despite having a player sent off.
We went after it and chased our chances even with one less player,” he said.
He also expressed pride in joining such a talented squad.
“In the end, we really had the opportunity. I’m proud to be part of this team.
They’ve achieved everything they’ve achieved, they’re high-level players, and I hope I can give my best.”
The Journey from West Ham to Flamengo
Paqueta’s move to Flamengo came after a tumultuous period in England.
Last summer, he was cleared of spot-fixing allegations by an independent disciplinary commission—a case that had blocked a potential move to Manchester City.
Remaining at West Ham, he eventually decided that his future lay elsewhere, leading to his £36 million return to his boyhood club.
West Ham have already moved to reinforce the squad, signing Adama Traore from Fulham for £2 million.
Traore, like Paqueta, has had a rocky start at his new club, including a recent red card incident against Chelsea.
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