Flamengo, once again, will try to overcome the fine line drawn by the knockout system to continue chasing the 2026 Copa Libertadores da América title. The second and decisive game of the round of 16 against Cruzeiro will be played this Wednesday, starting at 9:30 pm, at Maracanã, which will be packed.
Flamengo and Cruzeiro have an early 'decision' at Maracanã for the round of 16 of the Libertadores
Flamengo, once again, will try to overcome the fine line drawn by the knockout system to continue chasing the 2026 Copa Libertadores da América title. The second and decisive game of the round of 16 against Cruzeiro will be played this...
Therefore, whoever wins will go to the quarterfinals. In the event of a new tie, the place will be determined on penalties.
- In Minas Gerais, Cruzeiro took the lead with a great goal from Keny Arroyo, but Lucas Paquetá left everything the same.
- Flamengo arrives on a high after beating Mirassol 5-1, away from home, in the Brasileirão, a result that increased the fans' confidence in the squad led by Portuguese Leonardo Jardim.
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In the first leg, at Mineirão, there was a 1-1 draw. Therefore, whoever wins will go to the quarterfinals. In the event of a new tie, the place will be determined on penalties. In Minas Gerais, Cruzeiro took the lead with a great goal from Keny Arroyo, but Lucas Paquetá left everything the same.
Flamengo arrives on a high after beating Mirassol 5-1, away from home, in the Brasileirão, a result that increased the fans' confidence in the squad led by Portuguese Leonardo Jardim. The team has not lost since returning after the World Cup break, recording three wins and three draws.
Striker Bruno Henrique should be the big news on the Rio team's list of related players. Missing in Mirassol, the veteran has recovered from pain in his left ankle and returned to training, intensifying the competition for the starting spot with Pedro.
The technical committee will promote the return of preserved players against the São Paulo team. Right-back Emerson Royal, defender Léo Ortiz, midfielder Jorginho, midfielder Arrascaeta and striker Gonzalo Plata, all reserves against the São Paulo club, should take the place of Varela, Danilo, Lucas Paquetá, Carrascal and Luiz Araújo, respectively.
However, three players remain in the medical department: defender Vitão and midfielder De la Cruz, both with left thigh injuries, and left-back Alex Sandro, with pain in his right calf.
Leonardo Jardim projected the decisive duel against Cruzeiro, highlighting that he expects strong support from the fans in the Maracanã stands.
"Both teams will seek to qualify. At home, with the help of our fans, I believe we can put on a good performance. I have complete confidence in my players. We want to have this ability to win, to play well, as well as achieving the goals that the players, fans and management want", said the commander.
MINING EVOLUTIONCruzeiro also arrives motivated after achieving an important victory away from their fans. The team led by fellow Portuguese Artur Jorge beat Corinthians 2-1, at Neo Química Arena, and is experiencing a moment of evolution. Since the resumption of the calendar, they have recorded five wins, two draws and suffered just one defeat.
Midfielder Matheus Henrique received his third yellow card in the first match and will be absent at Cruzeiro. On the other hand, right-back Fagner and midfielder Lucas Romero, who were suspended in the game in Belo Horizonte, are once again options and should start among the starters.
Artur Jorge chose to field a team made up, for the most part, of reserves in the last round of the Brasileirão and now has the return of the starters. Goalkeeper Otávio, right-back Fagner, midfielder Lucas Romero and striker Kaio Jorge are the only athletes who faced Corinthians and should remain among the starters.
Artur Jorge expects a great battle for a place in the next phase of the Libertadores, highlighting that the match should be treated as a final by the Cruzeiro squad. The confrontation was defined by draw, placing two great Brazilian forces face to face.
"We have to have this ambition from everyone to have this intensity in games. This will be our first Libertadores final", commented Artur Jorge.
Striker Kaique Kenji, who was suspended against Corinthians, increases the technical committee's options on the bench. On the other hand, goalkeeper Cássio and attackers Gabriel Pec and Luis Sinisterra are in the medical department.
TECHNICAL SHEETFLAMENGO
FLAMENGO - Rossi; Emerson Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Ayrton Lucas; Erick Pulgar, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Pedro and Samuel Lino. Coach: Leonardo Jardim.
CRUZEIRO - Otávio; Fagner, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus and Gabriel Rojas; Lucas Romero, Gerson and Matheus Pereira; Arroyo, Kaio Jorge and Wesley. Coach: Artur Jorge.
REFEREE - Gustavo Tejera (URU).
TIME - 9:30 pm.
LOCATION - Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).
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