Libertadores: Flamengo and Cruzeiro face off in a decisive Round of 16 match
The stage is set for another electrifying chapter of the Copa Libertadores. This Wednesday (12), Flamengo takes on Cruzeiro at the iconic Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte for the first leg of the tournament’s Round of 16. The match, which is expected to captivate Brazil, is set to kick off at 9:30 PM (Brasilia Time) and will determine who gains the advantage for the return leg.
Expectations are high for a tight contest, as both teams look to set the tempo and gain the upper hand in the race for a spot in the quarterfinals. The Libertadores is the primary goal for both clubs this season, and the weight of this matchup is undeniable.
Absences and strategies shape the clash
Flamengo enters the match with significant roster challenges. Head coach Leonardo Jardim has confirmed five major absences. Alex Sandro is still recovering from calf pain, while Vitão is treating a left thigh injury. Everton Cebolinha did not recover in time from the flu and is also out. Additionally, as a tactical decision, Luiz Araújo and Wallace Yan were not called up and did not travel to Belo Horizonte.
In turn, Cruzeiro is also dealing with personnel issues. Seven players are out: Cássio, Gabriel Pec, Léo Aragão, Néiser Villarreal, and Sinisterra, all due to injury. Fagner and Lucas Romero are suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. These absences will force both managers to find tactical alternatives to fill the gaps in their squads.
Where to watch and probable lineups
For fans unable to be at the Mineirão, the match will have extensive coverage. Rede Globo will broadcast the game on open TV. Furthermore, the GE TV portal and the Paramount+ YouTube channel will also offer streaming coverage. The M360 team will be on-site at the stadium, bringing all the details and full coverage of the match.
The probable lineups for the clash are:
- Cruzeiro: Otávio; William, Fabrício Bruno, Jonathan Jesus, and Gabriel Rojas; Matheus Henrique, Gerson, and Matheus Pereira; Arroyo, Kaique Kenji, and Kaio Jorge. Manager: Artur Jorge.
- Flamengo: Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta; Jorge Carrascal, Samuel Lino, and Pedro. Manager: Leonardo Jardim.
The road to the Maracanã
This battle at the Mineirão is only the first chapter of the tie. The return leg, which will decide who advances to the quarterfinals, will take place on August 19th at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. Kickoff is once again at 9:30 PM (Brasilia Time), when Flamengo, the tournament’s reigning champion, will look to confirm their superiority on home turf.
M360 Team
