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SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -Coach Joel Santana struggled to find an explanation for Flamengo's disappointing elimination in the Copa Libertadores.
Flamengo, seeking its first Copa Libertadores title since 1981, was routed 3-0 by Mexico's America at Maracana on Wednesday, and eliminated 5-4 on aggregate. The Brazilian club had won the first leg 4-2 in Mexico and was heavily favored to advance to the quarterfinals.
"It's hard to explain a loss like this one," said Santana, who was in charge of Flamengo for his last match before leaving to coach the South African national team. "I had said we couldn't celebrate after the match in Mexico, but the Libertadores is like this. All games are dangerous."
America striker Salvador Cabanas opened the scoring in the 20th minute, forward Enrique Esqueda added to the lead in the 38th and Cabanas scored again in the 76th with a free-kick that deflected off the wall and fooled Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno.
The local sports daily Lance called the loss an "historic embarrassment."
A goal would have likely been enough to secure Flamengo a quarterfinal berth but the Brazilians failed to capitalize on their scoring chances.
"We got close five times but we couldn't score," Santana told local media. "We needed at least one goal. We have to learn from this setback."
Santana said it was one of the worst losses of his career, especially because it was his last match with Flamengo.
"My entire body is crying," Santana said. "I thank God for allowing me to work here."
Most of the nearly 50,000 fans at Maracana yelled his name in support after the match, but some threw rocks at the team's bus as it left the stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Police intervened and no one was injured.
Santana will be replaced by former Palmeiras and Goias coach Caio Jr.
Flamengo's next match is Sunday against Santos in the first round of the Brazilian league.
