The Blues appeared to be in a strong position at half time of our second Group D fixture at Lincoln Financial Field, with Pedro Neto’s impressive tenth-minute strike putting us ahead.

However, the Brazilian side levelled the contest in the 62nd minute, went ahead in the 65th minute, and Nicolas Jackson was then shown a straight red card in the 68th.

Those setbacks proved too much for the Blues to overcome, and Flamengo added a third goal to secure their victory with seven minutes to play.

Reflecting on the defeat, Maresca said: ‘[They are ] six minutes that completely changed the dynamic of the game.

'I think, until their first goal, we had started the second half much better, but then two goals in two minutes and the red card changed the dynamic of the game.’

The Italian continued: ‘In the last two days, we tried something completely different. We played in a different structure today to prepare for next season and have more options.

'The plan was quite good for an hour, but then we conceded the goal, and the second one, and then we had the red card. In the end, with us down to ten men, they deserved to win the game.’

Maresca confirmed that Jackson had apologised for his dismissal after our defeat, which leaves the Blues second in Group D with one match remaining.

That comes against ES Tunis on Tuesday, and the Blues head coach has highlighted the importance of his players bouncing back instantly.

He said: 'It's very important [to show a reaction in the next game. We need to win on Tuesday to make sure we get through to the next stage.'